When is by-pass surgery necessary over a stent in the LAD?

Blockages in the LAD are more serious, and bypass surgery is often recommended.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/bypass-or-angioplasty-with-stenting-how-do-you-choose#:~:text=A%20narrowing%20or%20blockage%20in,the%20other%20arteries%20are%20blocked.

Hi @normanturner525 It sounds like you are faced with quite the delima and you found just the right community of folks to help you through this process. I am sorry you are in this position at all.

While I haven’t been faced with these particular options I have been challenged to make choices as to the path of care I wanted to pursue in other areas. I love your question because the more you know the easier your choice will be!

I found information more about second opinions. You are really digging into making sure you know exactly what the problem is, getting expertise to help understand good options, and feeling comfortable with who you want to move forward with.
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/physician-patient-relationship/second-opinions-are-good-idea-there-are-caveats
Are you comfortable both providers see your problem and risks the same? Do you have a higher comfort level with one provider vs the other?

Janell, I am quite comfortable with both of the providers I have talked to. The original one is in a smaller city, but with a good cardio care program. The other is in a larger city and is affiliated with a cardio-care hospital.
This last one was the second opinion and I was not expecting this. Thus, I am having a difficult time making up my mind as to just what I want to do. However, the more I read about the procedure the more convinced I am about the surgery. Thank you for your information.

I am glad you are getting more comfortable with your situation.

I certainly do not want to add more confusion. I did do a quick search up at the top of the home page for “stent and bipass”. It does mention multiple vessel and your problem is isolated to the LAD. It doesn’t look like there has been much activity in the conversation for a while, either. Still, you may find others may have good info to offer:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/multi-vessel-stenting-vs-bypass-surgery/
How are you feeling?

Feeling well, thank you. The LAD is my significant problem, but I have two other more minor blockages that they will repair at the same time, based upon what the second doctor indicated.

I’ve had both a triple bypass and then, after one bypass failed, a stent. A stent is a much easier recovery. I had three blockages, 90%, 70% and 50% so the bypass was recommended. Both of my uncles had stents and lived into their 90s.

The stent is a lot easier to experience and to recover from. I can’t provide medical advice, but stents are a good option in my experience.

My husband had several blockages, 99% in circumflex which they performed emergency stenting. LAD was 75% and right one in the 60s. 3 months after stents, they did triple bypass to correct LAD and others. Treatment was at Mayo. One year so far and all is great. Good luck to you!