My father had a quadruple bypass in 1999. Recently, they found 2 grafts that were 100% blocked and 2 that were 100% open. The doctor no stent or bypass is needed because his body created new vessels. Should we be concerned?

Dr. Allen Raczkowski

The doctor feels that there is adequate blood flow to the heart muscle from additional vessels or collateral flow.

Your father is fortunate that this flow is present and that the grafts are not needed to provide it. I would not be concerned about those occluded grafts.

Dr. Allen Raczkowski practices Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Renowned as the world's leading robotic cardiac surgeon, Dr. Raczkowski uses a special technology, the Da Vinci robot, which enables him to perform delicate procedures such as valve repairs and coronary artery surgery, producing better results, and offering patients a better quality of life in much less time than traditional heart surgery. Dr. Raczkowski graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine with an MD and has been in the profession for over 30 years. Visit him online at www.bannerhealth.com.