Advancements in Coronary Bypass Surgery: Promising Genetic Techniques to Prevent Recurrence of Heart Disease

Coronary bypass surgery, while effective, is not a permanent solution for heart disease as new obstructions can develop in the replacement blood vessels. Professor Kingbo Shu and his team at Saint George's Hospital Medical School have discovered that 60% of these obstructions originate from the new bypass vein itself. Through genetic techniques and innovative treatments, they aim to prevent or delay the recurrence of disease, potentially sparing 15% of heart patients from the need for repeat surgery. Clinical trials on humans are expected to begin in about 5 years.