← Return to Treatment for Coronary Total Occlusion(100% blockage)

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@caretakermom

Jim @thankful. Mayo pre kidney transplant nurse called today. They have reviewed all of husband's cardio records for the past 6 months. They are telling us he needs to get the CTO fixed before he can be qualified for a kidney eval. The thing I'm worried about is cardiologist says the PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) procedure success rate is a mere 30%. PCI is preferable because it is the least invasive as opposed to open heart surgery which has a much higher success rate to fix the blockage. So conflicted as to what to do. Cardiologist doesn't feel we need to address the CTO at this moment and gives the impression that it's not worth it to try PCI because of low success rate, so just leave as is. On the other hand, it would be great if husband can get a new kidney so that he could live a somewhat normal life but in order to do that, he has to have open heart surgery!! It sounds like cardiologist is saying husband can live a good life without having to do anything about the CTO, because the collateral blood vessels have formed.
Jim, did you ever have to have open heart surgery? This sounds very scary to me!

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Replies to "Jim @thankful. Mayo pre kidney transplant nurse called today. They have reviewed all of husband's cardio..."

I don't have the answer for you and this sounds like an extremely trying and complicated situation. However, that fact that you are working with Mayo seems to be very hopeful as the departments are known to work together better than most( or all) other places. Definitely see a cardiologist at Mayo. Ask for a proposed plan for both items plus anything else needed. Did they give you a plan?
I would make sure the Kidney doctor hears what the Cardiologist is saying about this cardiac issue possibly not being a priority if your understanding is correct, or understand his/her perspective if they see it differently.
This may help you get to the best plan. Mayo should collaborate appropriately between departments to give you the best plan. I would strongly suggest seeing a doctor of each type you need at/while at Mayo.

@caretakermom- I never had open heart surgery. I would absolutely trust the Mayo Team of Doctors. Can you talk with a Mayo Cardiologist about this? Jim@thankful