Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Grafting Research Articles

Long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting comparing bilateral versus single internal mammary artery in a women cohort

Abstract Introduction Although neutral results from the ART randomized controlled trial, observational studies have been supporting better survival after bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) vs single internal mammary artery (SIMA) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, for some specific subgroups, like women patients, more doubts remain about BIMA benefits. Aim To compare long-term survival and early results in women after SIMA vs BIMA. Methods Longitudinal, retrospective, single-center study including consecutive women with at least 2 left-coronary system (LCS) vessel disease who underwent primary isolated CABG with at least 1 internal mammary artery (IMA) conduit and a minimum of 2 conduits targeting the LCS, between 2004-2014. Emergent or salvage surgeries, on-pump beating-heart, BIMA in which 1 IMA targeted the right coronary artery territory were excluded. The primary outcome was all-causes mortality (checked on February 2023). Time-to-event outcomes were studied using Kaplan-Meier Curves, Log-Rank test and multivariable Cox Regression. Median follow-up was 11 years, maximum of 19 years. Results From 539 women selected for this study, BIMA CABG was performed in 30%. SIMA patient’s were older (mean age 68.95±8.39 vs 62.75±9.82 years, p<0.001), but the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors were similar between groups (arterial hypertension, p=0.693; dyslipidemia, p=0.111; diabetes mellitus, p=0.462 and obesity, p=0.109). Peripheral artery disease (p=0.707), left ventricular dysfunction (p=0.727), cerebrovascular disease (p=0.730), active smoking habits (p=0.05) and chronic obstrutive pulmonary disease (p=0.537) were also similar. Severe chronic kidney disease (27% vs 14%, p<0.001) and Canadian Coronary Society - grade IV (74% vs 63%, p=0.011) were more frequent in SIMA group. In the univariable survival analysis, SIMA had worse survival results than BIMA (Log Rank test p<0.01). At 5-, 10- and 15- years of follow-up, cumulative survival for SIMA vs BIMA were 88% vs 90%, 68% vs 75%, 42% vs 58%, respectively. However, the multivariable Cox regression showed that BIMA was not associated with long-term survival (HR [95%CI]: 1.09 [0.75-1.59], p=0.6). Most of post-operative outcomes were similar between groups, with the exception of atrial fibrilation (25% vs 16%, p=0.031) and time to discharge (median days [min-max]: 7 [4-128] vs 7 [4-59]) that were higher in SIMA. No differences were found in immediate reexploration of thorax (sternal infection – 0.3% SIMA vs 1.2% BIMA, p=0.219; bleeding- 1.6% SIMA vs 0.6% BIMA, p=0.681). Redo CABG occurred in 1 SIMA and 1 BIMA women, at 41 and 84 months of follow-up, respectively. Conclusion In this study, revascularization with BIMA seems to be safe in women and provides similar results than SIMA. More studies in women are needed to establish the better approach for this specific subgroup.

Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Total Arterial Revascularization Using the Double-Docking Technique.

The right internal mammary artery is considered to be the second choice for arterial conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the widespread use of bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) grafting is limited owing to increased technical demands, lengthy procedure, and high incidence of sternal wound complications. We compared the early clinical outcomes of a novel robot-assisted double-docking technique (DDT) with an open sternotomy technique for total arterial revascularization using BIMA. Between June 2019 and June 2023, 445 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease underwent open sternotomy CABG using BIMA grafting and 145 patients underwent robot-assisted BIMA grafting using DDT. Comparative analysis of 104 pairs of matched patients obtained using propensity score matching was performed. Procedural characteristics, postoperative 30-day mortality, and composite outcome (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events) at a median follow-up of 1.5 years were evaluated. Preprocedural characteristics were well balanced between the groups after propensity matching. The number of distal anastomoses performed in the conventional group was statistically higher than that performed using DDT (P < 0.001). The durations of postsurgical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and in-hospital stay were significantly lower with the DDT than with conventional CABG (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality or major adverse cardiac events between the DDT and conventional CABG groups at a median follow-up of 1.5 years. The DDT is feasible and efficacious for revascularization of multiple coronary targets in select individuals. It is equivalent to open sternotomy in terms of early clinical outcomes and superior to open sternotomy with regard to rates of sternal infection and intensive care unit and in-hospital stay.

Predominant Use of Bilateral Internal Mammary Arteries in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been shown to provide long-term clinical benefits over single internal mammary artery (SIMA) grafting. Nevertheless, the perceived technical complexity of the procedure and concerns about potential early postoperative complications, particularly sternal wound infections have led to a utilization rate of BIMA grafting of less than 5% in the United States. We systematically compared early (30-day) post-operative outcomes between the BIMA and SIMA cohorts in patients with similar baseline characteristics. A retrospective single center study was conducted on matched patients, using stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting to mitigate bias between the two study cohorts. From 546 off-pump CABG patients initially identified, we examined 328 BIMA and 213 SIMA grafts from the matched samples. Despite utilizing 60.4% BIMA grafts, we observed similar rates of 30-day overall and cardiac mortality between the BIMA and SIMA groups. Rates of 30-day postoperative complications, including superficial and deep sternal wound infections, stroke, sepsis, acute kidney injury, and cardiac arrest, were similar between the two groups. Rates of 30-day overall and cardiac readmission were also similar. Additionally, median length of hospital stays, intensive care unit stay, and ventilation times were similar between the two groups. In conclusion, our data suggest that a BIMA utilization rate of 60.4% in off-pump CABG procedure is achievable without causing any significant increment in early post-operative complications, including deep sternal wound infection.

Fifteen-year results of bilateral and unilateral internal mammary artery grafting

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of bilateral internal mammary artery grafting over long-term (15 years) postoperative period. There were 276 patients divided into two groups: 135 patients (group A) underwent bilateral internal mammary artery grafting and 141 patients (group B) underwent unilateral internal mammary artery grafting together with venous bypass grafts. On-pump surgeries and cardioplegia, parallel CPB and on-pump procedures were performed in equal proportions. Mean age of patients was 57.3±7.6 years. Diabetes mellitus was detected in 21 (15.5%) and 24 (19.1%) patients, respectively (p>0.05). Mean LV ejection fraction was 55.4±9.9%, revascularization index - 3.1±0.8 and 3.0±0.7, respectively. In the 1st group, 43 patients underwent bilateral internal mammary artery grafting alone. Autovenous grafts were additionally used in other 84 patients. Ten-year survival exceeded 90% in both groups. Freedom from adverse cardiac events after 15 years was significantly higher in group A (77.3% vs. 59.3%, p=0.018). In group A, 16 patients died throughout this period due to cancer (50%), myocardial infarction (12.5%), stroke (18.8%) and complications of diabetes mellitus (6.3%). In group B, 22 patients died mainly from cardiac causes (myocardial infarction - 40.9%, cancer - 27.3%). Bilateral internal mammary artery grafting has obvious advantages over traditional coronary artery bypass grafting. If we take into account higher proportion of cardiac causes in structure of mortality in group B, we can talk about positive impact of bilateral internal mammary artery grafting not only on the quality of life, but also on life expectancy in long-term postoperative period.

Procedural risk factors for deep and organ/space surgical site infection post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

In this study, we examined the impact of the number and type of arterial grafts, and surgical dressing type, on deep and organ/space surgical site infection following coronary artery bypass graft procedures. Bilateral internal mammary artery grafts and negative pressure wound therapy were associated with higher odds of infection.

Thoracoscopic (non-robotic) harvesting of bilateral internal mammary artery grafts

Minimally invasive coronary surgery offers benefits to the patient. Harvesting the internal mammary artery remains a challenging part of this procedure. We describe our technique for thoracoscopic harvesting of the left and right mammary arteries using routine endoscopic instruments. This is a non-robotic technique that might facilitate a more widespread growth of minimally invasive coronary surgery.

Effect of skeletonisation and pedicled bilateral internal mammary artery grafting in coronary artery bypass surgery on post-operative wound infection: A meta-analysis.

The results showed that different internal thoracic artery (ITA) was associated with the rate of postoperative wound infection and the severity of pain following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In order to ascertain if there was any genuine difference in the rate of postoperative infection and severity of the pain, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate if there was any actual difference in the wound complication that had been identified with the ITA method. Through EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Pubmed, and so forth, we systematically reviewed the results by August 2023, which compared the impact of skeletonised versus pedicled internal mammary artery (IMA) on wound complications following CABG. The trial data have been pooled and analysed in order to determine if a randomisation or fixed-effect model should be applied. The meta-analysis of data was performed with Revman 5.3 software. The results of this meta-study included 252 related articles from four main databases, and nine articles were chosen to be extracted and analysed. A total of 3320 patients were treated with coronary artery transplantation. Based on current data analysis, we have shown that the rate of postoperative wound infections is reduced by the use of the skeletonised internal mammary artery (SIMA) (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.13, 3.01; p = 0.01). But the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the post-operation pain score of the patients (MD, 0.09; 95% CI, -0.58, 0.76; p = 0.79). Furthermore, the duration of the operation was not significantly different between the SIMA and pedicled internal mammary artery (PIMA) (MD, 3.30; 95% CI, -3.13, 9.73; p = 0.31). Overall, the SIMA decreased the rate of postoperative wound infection in CABG patients than the PIMA.

Sternal wound infections following internal mammary artery grafts for a coronary bypass: A meta-analysis.

The meta-analysis aims to evaluate and compare the sternal wound infections following internal mammary artery grafts for a coronary bypass. Examinations comparing bilateral internal mammary artery to single internal mammary artery for coronary artery bypass grafting were among the meta-analyses from various languages that met the inclusion criteria. Using dichotomous random- or fixed-effect models, the results of these investigations were examined, and the Odd Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was computed. A total of 31 examinations from 2001 to 2023 were recruited for the current analysis including 181 503 personals with coronary artery bypass grafting. Bilateral internal mammary artery had significantly higher sternal wound infection (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.37-1.68, p < 0.001), superficial sternal wound infection (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.16-2.56, p = 0.007), deep sternal wound infection (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.41-1.86, p < 0.001), sternal wound infection in diabetics (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.16-1.90, p = 0.002), sternal wound infection in elderly (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.22-1.57, p < 0.001), sternal wound infection in pedicled preparation (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.30-2.23, p < 0.001) and sternal wound infection in skeletonized preparation (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09-1.81, p = 0.009) compared to single internal mammary artery in personals with coronary artery bypass grafting. Bilateral internal mammary artery grafting is linked to a higher risk of impaired wound healing, particularly in diabetic individuals, elderly, pedicled preparation, and skeletonized preparation. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised while interacting with its values since examinations were performed by different surgeons with different skills on different types of personals.

Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery in Obese Patients

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes with the use of bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) conduits in obese patients. MethodsBetween January 2003 and December 2018, 8109 patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, including 7218 (89%) treated with single internal mammary artery (SIMA) and 891 (11%) treated with BIMA grafts. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to preoperative body mass index (BMI): normal, BMI <25 kg/m2 (22.2%); overweight, BMI of 25 to <30 kg/m2 (37.2%); and obese, BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (40.6%). In each group, BIMA and SIMA patients were compared to investigate 30-day mortality and postoperative complications. Significant baseline differences were observed between the 3 BMI groups, and such differences were adjusted by inverse probability weighting matching. ResultsThirty-day mortality, deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) rates, and length of hospital stay were 1.4%, 0.5%, and 6.0 ± 9.1 days for the normal group; 0.2%, 1.0%, and 5.5 ± 4.2 days for the overweight group; and 0.9%, 1.8%, and 5.5 ± 4.0 days for the obese group. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality, incidence of DSWI, and hospital stay between BIMA and SIMA groups, except in the obese group, in which the rate of DSWI was significantly higher in the BIMA patients (3.4% vs 0%; P = .02). ConclusionsBIMA grafts in obese patients can be used without an increase of the 30-day mortality and hospital stay. However, the use of BIMA grafts in obese patients may lead to an increase of postoperative DSWI.

Long-term survival of single versus bilateral internal mammary artery grafting in patients under 70.

OBJECTIVESAs definitive data from randomized controlled trials comparing the effect on long-term survival of using single internal mammary artery (SIMA) or bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) grafting are not yet available, observational studies allow for long-term follow-up in large and representative populations, which might complement the information potentially derived from randomized trials. To compare long-term survival in patients under 70 years of age undergoing SIMA or BIMA grafting.METHODSRetrospective analysis of 3384 consecutive patients under 70 years undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, performed from 2000 to 2015, in a Portuguese level III Hospital. We identified 2176 and 1208 patients from the study population who underwent SIMA and BIMA grafting, respectively. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 10 years. We employed inverse probability weighting to restrict confounding by indication.RESULTSThe mean age of the study population was 59.4 (± 7.6) years, and 567 (16.8%) were females. Inverse probability weighting was effective in eliminating differences in all significant baseline characteristics. Follow-up was 99.88% complete. The median follow-up time was 12.82 (interquartile range, 9.65, 16.74) years: the primary end point of all-cause mortality at 10 years occurred in 463 patients (21.3%) and 166 (13.7%) in the SIMA and BIMA grafting groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.92; P = 0.004).CONCLUSIONSBilateral internal mammary grafting is associated with lower long-term mortality than single internal mammary grafting. Moreover, this survival benefit comes at no increased perioperative morbidity or mortality cost.

What is the best choice for third conduit when using bilateral internal mammary arteries for coronary artery bypass grafting-radial artery or saphenous vein graft?

SummaryA best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘What is the best choice for third conduit when using bilateral internal mammary arteries for coronary artery bypass grafting—radial artery or saphenous vein graft?’. Altogether >525 papers were found using the reported search, of which 7 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Overall, there was no survival benefit demonstrated with the use of a radial artery over the use of a saphenous vein graft as a choice of third conduit following bilateral internal mammary artery grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting. The main limitation of the current evidence available is the restricted follow-up periods and the high attrition rates with small sample sizes affecting the strength of conclusions that can be drawn beyond 10 years of follow-up. We conclude that despite previous evidence supporting improved long-term patency of radial arterial grafts, there is no strong evidence that the use of a radial artery, over a saphenous vein graft, has any survival benefit when used as the third conduit following bilateral internal mammary artery grafts.

Off-pump bilateral internal mammary artery grafting in patients over 65 years old

<h3>ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ</h3> Анализ ближайших результатов бимаммарной реваскуляризации миокарда на работающем сердце у пациентов старше 65 лет. <h3>МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ</h3> Работа основана на ретроспективном анализе результатов хирургического лечения 100 пациентов, оперированных в отделении кардиохирургии в период с 2013 по 2019 г. Всем пациентам было выполнено коронарное шунтирование на работающем сердце с использованием в качестве шунтов обеих внутренних грудных артерий. В зависимости от возраста все больные были стратифицированы на две группы. В 1-ю группу вошли пациенты моложе 65 лет (<i>n</i>=47), 2-я группа представлена пациентами старше 65 лет (<i>n</i>=53). Проанализировали предоперационные, интраоперационные и послеоперационные показатели, периоперационные осложнения и госпитальную летальность. <h3>РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ</h3> Госпитальная летальность отсутствовала во всех группах. Отсутствовали статистически значимые различия по периоперационным инфарктам миокарда, острым нарушениям мозгового кровообращения. В послеоперационном периоде отсутствовали различия между группами по наличию почечной недостаточности, глубокой раневой инфекции грудины. Анализ показал более высокую частоту дыхательной недостаточности у больных старше 65 лет. <h3>ВЫВОД</h3> Бимаммарная реваскуляризация миокарда на работающем сердце у пациентов старше 65 лет не увеличивает риск периоперационных осложнений и госпитальной летальности в сравнении с группой пациентов моложе 65 лет, однако сохраняется более высокий риск дыхательной недостаточности.

Comparison between Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Graft and LIMAG in Patients Undergoing CA Bypass Grafting

Background: Increasing evidence continues to demonstrate a survival advantage for bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) over Left internal mammary artery for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, there are still uncertainties about which surgical approach is the best one to use with BIMA grafting. Objective: To compare Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery (BIMA) Grafting with Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) Grafting during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in terms of early mortality and sternal wound infections. Materials &amp; Methods Randomized: control trialtechnique enrolled. The study was conducted at the Cardiac Surgery Department, King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Mayo Hospital Lahore Results: Total 96patients undergoing CABG were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; each group contains 48 patients. Group A included patients having Left IMA to LAD; second and third graft by Great Saphenous Vein and Group B included patients having Bilateral Internal Mammary Arteries with Left IMA to LAD or OM and Right IMA to RCA, LAD or Ramus Intermedius. The superficial and deep sternal wound infections was recorded along with the different risk factors including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking and use of inotropes intra-operatively and post operatively. The incision site over the sternum was being evaluated on daily basis throughout the stay of the patients (from 5–8 days). Diagnosis of Sternal infections was based on the presence of positive cultures, dehiscence of the sternum incision, fever, redness pain, and infected (purulent) secretions. Sternal instability and discharge, ventilation time, length of ICU stay, chest drainage, re-exploration and length of hospital stay was also recorded. Results:Not any of the patients included in these two treatment groups suffered from mortality (LIMA: 0%, BIMA: 0%). Deep sternal wound infection [LIMA: 4.17% &amp; BIMA: 6.25%, p-value=0.646] and superficial wound infection [LIMA: 4.17% &amp; BIMA: 6.25%, p-value=0.646] did not show any statistically significant association towards both grafts type. Patients who underwent BIMA grafting suffered from higher in hospital stay as compared to patients who underwent LIMAgrafting. i.e. [LIMA: 7.02 &amp; BIMA: 8.02, P value = 0.000] Conclusion: Results of the study showed no significant difference for deep sternal wound infection and superficial wound infection between the two grafts BIMA and LIMA. However, patients who underwent BIMA grafting had significantly higher hospital stay as compared to patients who underwent LIMA grafting. Keywords: Bilateral, Internal, Mammary Artery, Grafting, Left, Internal Mammary Artery, Coronary Artery, Bypass, Grafting, Mortality, Sternal wound infections.

177 Pedicled Or Skeletonized Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting - A Meta- Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

Abstract Objective There is varying evidence on the role of skeletonization of internal mammary artery in reducing the risk of sternal wound infections and ischemia following bilateral internal mammary artery grafting. We opt to compare post-operative clinical outcomes of skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery versus pedicled bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Method A comprehensive electronic search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane database and Google Scholar from inception until 15th June 2020. All studies directly comparing skeletonized and pedicled bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting were included. Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis was conducted. Results Ten studies consisting of 3728 patients (2098 patients with skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery grafting and 1630 patients with pedicled bilateral internal mammary artery grafting) were included. Pooled effects analysis and trial sequential analysis reported significantly lower risk of sternal wound infection with skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.20 – 0.51, p &amp;lt; 0.00001). S-BIMA may be associated with lower late mortality, but more information is required to confirm this. Conclusions Skeletonization reduces the risk of sternal wound infections by preserving vasculature as much as possible. This makes it an important technique for use in bilateral internal mammary artery grafting for high-risk patients.

Impact of some intraoperative factors on wound infection in cardiac surgery

Relevanc. Surgical Site Infection (SSI) after open heart surgery is a significant problem in clinical, social, and economic aspect which causes the need to identification of the preferred procedures for successful prevention of the SSI.Objectives. To determine risk of the SSI in cardiac surgery depending on complexity of intervention, using of cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) and use of both internal mammary arteries (IMA).Methods. Prospective observations study from 2010 to 2019 in cardiac surgery department of the Ural Institute of Cardiology, where in total 4993 open heart surgery procedures were consecutively performed. All SSI cases were recorded up to 90 days after surgery. The analysis was performed to identify risk of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), bilateral IMA grafting and combined procedures on the risk of the postoperative wound infection.Results. During the investigation period, total 220 cases of the SSI (4,5%) have been registered of the 4993 patients undergoing open heart surgery. It included 42 cases of deep sternal infection (0,9%) and 178 cases of superficial infection (3,6%). The main pathogen identified was Staphylococcus epidermidis (56,4%). During the hospital period, 151 cases (66,5%) of SSI have been detected, with the median time to detection of the complication 6 days. The relative mortality risk in deep sternal infection group was 4,4 times higher than in the group without SSI (HR 4,6, 95 % CI 1,5-13,9, p=0,003624). CABG increases the relative risk of SSI in compare with non-CABG procedures (OR 3,086169; 95%CI 1,281 – 7,437), while the complexity of the operation (combined versus isolated interventions) does not significantly increase the risk (OR 0.972283; 95% CI: 0.696 - 1.359). The incidence of SSI in the group of in situ BIMA grafting was 8.8%, significantly increasing the likelihood of the SSI in compare to those with SIMA (OR 2.167983, 95% CI 1.463 - 3.212; p =0,000057). CBP significantly increases the risk of postoperative wound infections (OR 1.523890, 95% CI 1.149 - 2.022, p = 0.001742).Conclusions. Refusal of cardiopulmonary bypass, simultaneous procedures and bilateral coronary artery bypass does not allow completely to avoid postoperative wound infections. Nevertheless, the technical features of the preparations and use of grafts, including skeletonization, prevention of coagulation and the preference for sequential composite CABG, can reduce the risk associated with the type of the open heart surgery.

STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database: 2021 Update on Outcomes, Quality, and Research

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database is the most mature and comprehensive cardiac surgery database. It has been the foundation for quality measurement and improvement activities in cardiac surgery, facilitated the generation of accurate risk adjusted performance benchmarks and serves as a platform for novel research. Recent enhancements have added to the database's functionality, ease of use, and value to multiple stakeholders. This report is the sixth in a series of annual reports that provide updated volumes, outcomes, database-related developments, quality improvement initiatives, and research summaries using the Adult Cardiac Surgery Database in the past year.

Eleven-year outcomes of U-clips in totally robotic coronary artery bypass grafting versus standard hand-sewn running suture in robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump robotic coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with either interrupted nitinol U-Clips in totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) or standard running suture anastomosis in robotically assisted direct coronary artery bypass (RADCAB) over a decade. From January 2007 to December 2017, 280 patients underwent robotic off-pump CABG using the da Vinci S/Si Surgical System in our centre. TECAB with interrupted nitinol U-Clips anastomosis was performed in the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to LAD grafting in 126 patients and RADCAB (n = 154) of the LIMA to LAD was completed with standard running suture. After discharge, patients were contacted through telephone interview and were invited to attend the outpatient clinic every 6 months or 1 year. The graft patency was assessed by coronary angiography or computed tomography angiography. All cases were completed without conversion to median sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. A total of 275 single internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts (271 LIMAs, 4 right internal mammary arteries) and 5 bilateral IMA grafts were used as single graft or composite grafts. All the patients were discharged without in-hospital mortality or adverse outcomes. The average follow-up was 89.7 ± 30.4 months (range, 14-143 months). The cumulative survival rates (P = 0.53), the cumulative IMA patency rates (P = 0.83), and the rates of freedom from major adverse cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events (P = 0.41) between TECAB and RADCAB all showed no significant difference in the follow-up. Robotic off-pump CABG using IMA grafts is safe and can provide reliable long-term outcomes. Compared with the standard hand-sewn running suture technique in RADCAB, interrupted suture with the nitinol U-Clips in TECAB showed similar long-term clinical results and graft patency in LIMA to LAD bypass grafting.

Left or bilateral internal mammary artery employment in coronary artery bypass grafting: midterm results.

The gold standard for coronary artery bypass grafting to the left anterior descending artery is use of the left internal mammary artery. Better long-term survival has been reported using bilateral internal mammary arteries compared to left internal mammary artery only, but many surgeons are reluctant to employ bilateral internal mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass grafting. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bilateral internal mammary artery use. From 2014 to 2017, 1703 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in our institute. Of these, 772 met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to receive bilateral (n = 387) or left (n = 385) internal mammary artery grafts. The mean age was 67.1 ± 6.0 years (range 48-85 years) and 474 (61.4%) were male. The mean number of diseased vessels was 3.1 ± 0.9, and mean EuroSCORE II was 3.4% ± 1.1%. Hospital mortality was 1.2% in the left internal mammary artery group vs. 1.8% in the bilateral internal mammary artery group (p = 0.55). There was no difference in procedure-related complications between groups. Mean follow-up was 65.9 months. Survival in the bilateral internal mammary artery group at 1, 3, and 5 years was 98.7%, 98.7%, and 94.8% vs. 98.1%, 98.1%, and 90.9%, respectively, in the left internal mammary artery group (p = 0.63). Application of bilateral internal mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass grafting is safe and effective, with comparable midterm results to those with the left internal mammary artery only.

Early Hospital Outcome of Using Both Internal Mammary Arteries in Cairo University Hospital

Background: Long-Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery has a good term results, but it is not recommended in old patients due to its technical difficulty and increased incidence of sternal wound complications. Several studies declared that bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) grafting has a great benefit in patients aged 50–60 years, but this benefit does not extend to patients aged > 60 years. This study was designed to analyze the early hospital results, and experience in preventing sternal wound complications for BIMA grafting in patients 50–60 years old. Objective: To detect early outcome of using both internal mammary arteries in patients aged 50-60 years in Cairo University Hospital. Patients and Methods: Clinical data and echocardiographic and coronary angiography data of 100 patients who underwent BIMA grafting for coronary artery disease between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively to detect the early hospital results. 100 patients aged 50 to 60 years. The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were studied to analyze the operation difficulty. The flow and P.I were studied to analyze the coronary artery graft function. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were studied to detect heart function. Results: The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time as well as the flow and pulsatility index were recorded. There was no incidence of sternal wound complications or graft occlusion. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in LVEF post-operation. Conclusions: Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery is safe and effective for patients 50– 60 years old similar to younger patients (< 50 years).

Early Hospital Outcome of Using Both Internal Mammary Arteries in Cairo University Hospital

Background: Long-Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery has a good term results, but it is not recommended in old patients due to its technical difficulty and increased incidence of sternal wound complications. Several studies declared that bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) grafting has a great benefit in patients aged 50–60 years, but this benefit does not extend to patients aged > 60 years. This study was designed to analyze the early hospital results, and experience in preventing sternal wound complications for BIMA grafting in patients 50–60 years old. Objective: To detect early outcome of using both internal mammary arteries in patients aged 50-60 years in Cairo University Hospital. Patients and Methods: Clinical data and echocardiographic and coronary angiography data of 100 patients who underwent BIMA grafting for coronary artery disease between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively to detect the early hospital results. 100 patients aged 50 to 60 years. The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time were studied to analyze the operation difficulty. The flow and P.I were studied to analyze the coronary artery graft function. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were studied to detect heart function. Results: The operation time, aortic clamp time, and cardiopulmonary bypass time as well as the flow and pulsatility index were recorded. There was no incidence of sternal wound complications or graft occlusion. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in LVEF post-operation. Conclusions: Using both mammary arteries in coronary artery bypass surgery is safe and effective for patients 50– 60 years old similar to younger patients (< 50 years).