Less Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

• Published in: Artificial organs 1998-09, Vol.22 (9), p.769-774
• Main Authors: Shiono, Motomi, Sezai, Yukiyasu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anastomosis, Surgical; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Coronary Artery Bypass - instrumentation; Coronary Artery Bypass - trends; Heart-Assist Devices; Humans; Japan; Minimally invasive cardiac surgery; Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - instrumentation; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - trends; Tissue stabilizing device; Ventricular assist device
• ISSN: 0160-564X; 1525-1594
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1594.1998.06171.x

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) aims to avoid cardiopulmonary bypass and take maximum advantage of a smaller incision. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery is performed on selected arteries of the beating heart under direct vision through a choice of small incisions. Short‐term results show good patency rates and a dramatic impact in terms of shorter hospital stays and cost effectiveness. The procedure is also being used increasingly in Japan. However, valid concerns have been raised about the quality of the anastomosis fashioned on a beating heart with pharmacologic bradycardia, and the long‐term result of this technique is still questionable. The combined use of circulatory assist devices and mechanical stabilizing devices will be expected to expand access to coronary arteries by allowing for decompression of the left ventricle, permitting retraction and rotation of the heart, and hopefully further improvement of the results. Less invasive coronary surgery should be proven to be as effective and safe as conventional CABG before widespread adoption.