ANKARA

A Turkish patient diagnosed with atherosclerosis had a coronary by-pass surgery on 12 veins and the operation is readying to take its place in medical literature.

Prof. Kerim Cagla of Ankara's Numune Hospital spoke about the operation of Taner Uslu, a 42 year old suffering from atherosclerosis.

Uslu, who also has diabetes, had three arteries and nine veins changed with vessels harvested endoscopically from suiitable parts of the body such as the arms, legs and stomach.

This by-pass surgery marks a first in world for operating on 12 arteries and veins in one single operation.

Uslu said he felt much better after the operation, stated that could breathe easier and added, "I feel very lucky and I've got great doctors. I owe them a lot."

Anadolu Agency