Heart Catherization Risks

I recently had a heart catherization and ultimately a stent. In the medical records it states twice "the risks and benefits were discussed" This is furthest from the truth in regards to what the doctor explained to me. He only discussed the procedure and handed us a brochure about heart catherization and stents. My wife was with me and the risks were never mentioned.

I beleive the medical community needs to have a checklist of the risks so that each patient undertsnad fully. Only then can they make a decison to move forward or seek out the best doctor to administrer the catherization and stent if need be.

I was told I had a 95% blockage. At the time it seemed urgent and without being told of the risks I had the procedure done the same day. I believe 3-4 hours after the consultation. This is more of a fear approach then of respionsible health care. 

They should also provide information regarding the doctors experience with catherizations versus their colleagues. This can then help you determine whether you need to seek someone more experience. Especially with a 95% blockage.

Doctors arent God. In some case they act like it and get upset if someone questions them. When it comes to your health you have the right to know all information. I am going to get a second opinion. I beleive the CD they provided me on the procedure doesnt include the mistake of snowplowing debris (calcium blockage) during the procedure or blocking another vessel.

When debris goes into the blood stream it could cause a stroke or worse.

  

 

I undwent a catheritization procedure in early-June this year, and the end result was that two stents were inserted after the Surgeons found two arteries with 90% blockage and a third with 60%.  Prior to the procedure I discussed the possibilities I might face, and the possibility of a quick decisionmaking process.  I asked a lot of questions to which the answers provided risk information.  We patients have a responsibility in the process not to just sit and listen, we have to be engaged - we should prepare in advance for various possible decisions to be made.  I also researched the catheritization procedure online, read about stents ... and I did similar research on heart bypass procedures, because that would be a possibility as well.  When the blockages were located the Surgeon showed them to me on large video monitors in the OR/procedure room and then asked me how I would like to deal with them.  The options I was presented with were heart bypass surgery or the insertion of stents.  I'm not a cardiac surgeon nor am I educated in medical matters such as this.  When my cardiologist recommended a couple of surgeons I asked her to recommend one she would select for her children if they faced a similar situation.  I went with her selection which gave me comfort at the decision-making stage - because when asked what procedure I wanted I told the surgeon to make the choice for me.  He has the knowledge, he was in my heart at the moment.  So he outlined the reasons why he'd insert stents instead of doing a couple of bypasses and I told him to do it then and there, no reason to wait.  I've recovered well and have never thought twice about whether or not I made the right decision.