Hi,
As you have mentioned about your mother in law-
61 yr, Diabetic, Hypertensive, African-American.
She had
heart attack for which she must have underwent coronary
angiography and subsequently
angioplasty (stenting of 100% blocked vessel which is called as culprit vessel as blockage in that vessel is responsible for symptoms of heart attack and ECG changes)
Also there are blockage in other vessels as you have mentioned there is need for revascularisation procedure either stenting or
coronary bypass surgery.
Either of two procedures will be selected depending upon
1) age of patient usually in young patient stenting is preferred.
2)nature of blockage like in patients with long standing
Diabetes there are usually diffuse blockages (long segment of vessel is narrowed) in such patients bypass surgery is preferred over stenting.
3)Number of blockages more the number bypass is preferred.
4) Other comorbid conditions.
5) Duration of hospitalizations usually less with stenting.
6) In case of Calcification of vessels bypass surgery is preferred.