Patients Talk

Couple Views Vessel Harvesting

When a patient needs coronary bypass surgery, a doctor removes, or "harvests," a healthy blood vessel from the arm or leg. This vessel is then attached and "bypasses" the diseased section of the coronary artery to help blood flow freely again.

In traditional harvesting, the doctor makes a long cut down the leg or arm to get the section of the blood vessel that is needed. In endoscopic vessel harvesting, the doctor makes one to three small cuts. The vessel is then removed from the small cut. Endoscopic vessel harvesting has been shown to decrease complications and infections as the wound heals.

LifeBeat Online spoke to a husband and wife. Merle Rush, 64, had traditional surgery while her husband, Buddy, 68, underwent endoscopic vessel harvesting—within a couple months of each other!

How did you discover you needed surgery?

Merle	Merle Rush (MR): I'm a diabetic. I had an ulcer on my foot and I went to have that ulcer treated. Before you have the surgery, the doctors do a check on you to make sure you're in good health. When they checked my heart, they found I needed bypass surgery. Instead of the ulcer surgery, they did three bypasses!
Buddy	Buddy Rush (BR): When my wife was having her operation, I noticed I was getting weak. I couldn't get around. I tried to hold out until I got her home and got her back on her feet. But I got to the point where I felt like something was sitting on my chest. They rushed me to the hospital. I went into surgery the same day.

What went through your mind when you found out you needed to have the vessel harvesting and bypass surgery?

MR: I was scared, of course. But I just wanted to get it over with. I had faith, and I told my family and children that God was going to take care of me.

BR: I knew I had to do something. My wife advised me to go to the doctor. So I had my surgery and I thank God for it. I'm well now.

After surgery, what was your experience with having had a vein harvested from your leg?

MR: The incision went from my groin almost to my ankle. I would have loved to have had my husband's operation. His incision was so small; I was shocked when I saw it.

BR: I was up and around the first week I returned home. They told me I would need to rest for 6 weeks. I was feeling good after 3. It was a fast recovery compared to my wife, who is still not fully well.

What did your doctor recommend for your rehabilitation?

MR: He told me to walk a lot, but not get hot and not get too tired. Just take it easy.

BR: He told me not to pick up anything over 25 pounds. Not to drive. I had to really take it easy.

How has life improved since you've had surgery?

MR: It seems that I have a lot more energy than I did. It makes me more grateful to be alive. It makes me love my family more�something I didn't think was possible.

BR: I'm able to get around now. It just gets better every day.

Any final thoughts?

MR: Listen to your doctor and do what he tells you to do. I just had to turn it over to him and the good Lord above.

BR: I recovered quicker than my wife. People should ask their doctor about what their options are—they can decide with their doctor if endoscopic vessel harvesting is a better choice.

Individual symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified health provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment. The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice.

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