Does a blocked coronary artery in coronary artery disease always require coronary artery bypass grafting?

  If the blockage is not that serious, can it be treated with medication and how much does it cost if I have to do bypass surgery?  If the diagnosis is clear after coronary angiography, there are five cases as follows: First, there is indeed coronary artery disease, but the degree is not serious, so it does not need medical stenting or surgical bypass surgery, but only oral medication with diet adjustment and appropriate exercise. Second, the extent of the lesion is so great that it cannot be solved by medication alone and requires and is suitable for medical treatment by stenting. Third, the extent of the lesion is such that it is not suitable for stenting, and surgical bypass surgery is required. Fourth, the extent of the lesion is suitable for medical-surgical collaboration, and the surgeon can build a major arterial bridge with high long-term rate, while the internist can put stents in other lesions. We call this a hybrid procedure. Fifth, the extent and scope of the lesion and other combined conditions make it impossible to put in stents and surgical bypasses, and the only way to maintain the disease is to take medication, which is a state that patients and their families, as well as our doctors, do not want to see.  If, after coronary angiography, it is clear that the lesion is serious and requires stenting, bypass surgery or hybridization, which is better? How to choose?  This is a professional question, and the specific choice needs to be considered by the doctor according to the lesion and other factors such as the patient’s physical condition. It varies from person to person and no specific answer can be given. Even our doctors choose the most beneficial method for the patient according to the constantly updated guidelines. Our general principle is that, while coronary angiography is done in the internal medicine department, the internal medicine doctor will determine whether a stent is needed and appropriate, and if it is needed and appropriate, it will be placed. If the stent is needed and suitable, it will be put in. If it is not suitable, then we will consider a surgical consultation to see if it is suitable for bypass surgery. In a small number of patients, hybridization is appropriate. In conclusion, our advice on this issue is that the patient and family should fully trust the doctor and recognize and respect the doctor’s treatment plan. Only with mutual trust can the best treatment results be achieved.