Thanks all! I learned that they won't be taking a vessel from his leg after all. Apparently in older people the leg vessels aren't as good, so they're taking an artery (or vein?) from elsewhere in his chest. Supposedly, these hold up better. They went over to the hospital the other day and got a tour of the cardiac care wing and I think they are pretty prepared for this. I'll be copying this thread to email to them later today. A lot of practical advice here and the good wishes will buoy them up too.

jeffp