Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Research Articles

Exposure technique for the circumflex artery territory in robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting.

Exposure technique for the circumflex artery territory in robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting.

Inexpensive and Easy to Set Up Robotic Cardiac Simulator Offers "Unlimited" Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Experience: Proof of Concept.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) grafting is the least invasive form of coronary bypass surgery. However, despite its advantages, this approach has not gained widespread adoption. One possible reason is the advanced and complex robotic skills required to execute a totally endoscopic sutured coronary anastomosis. We prepared a novel, inexpensive, easy to set up robotic TECAB simulator. A pig heart was placed in a cardboard box, and 3 holes were made on the side to mimic the exposure and surgical ergonomics of TECAB port placement. Four robotic ports were placed and docked to the da Vinci Si robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Monofilament 7:0 suture (7 cm long) was used to perform the anastomosis to the left anterior descending artery using remnant conduit. Seven cardiac surgeons of various training levels participated and were asked to fill out a 10-point questionnaire. The cost of the simulator totaled $20 per session, with 20 min to assemble. Each session allowed each trainee to practice 3 to 4 coronary anastomoses. Three cardiac surgeons completed the survey and strongly agreed that the model was easy to set up, the anastomotic exercise was realistic, and that this practice helped them gain confidence. Our TECAB simulator is inexpensive, easy to set up, and allows trainees to practice endoscopic coronary suturing. We believe this to be a valuable training tool to learn how to do TECAB for established surgeons and that such a simulator may be of great value to cardiothoracic training programs and their trainees. Further studies are warranted.

Effect of different coronary artery revascularization procedures on cognition: A systematic review

Coronary revascularization interventions have been associated with post-intervention cognitive decline. Hence, this systematic review aims to compare the long-term effects of different coronary revascularization interventions on cognition. The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases were searched for articles published between January 2009 and January 2023. Articles on clinical trials and cohort studies that compared at least two different interventions with a minimum three months follow up were included to evaluate the consequences of different intervention techniques on cognition. Each selected study was evaluated using a revised tool to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2), and Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions(ROBINS-1) was used for evaluating non-randomized studies. Five eligible studies, with four different comparisons, were included. Out of these studies, three RCTs and two cohort studies were included A participants gone through different procedures; on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CCPB), the miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (MCPB) and endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo-CABG). These comparisons showed that different interventions have different effects on cognition; however, there is no solid evidence of correlations between them. Thus, the results of this review suggest that there should be greater focus on comparing interventions and that a reasonable follow-up duration should be set to avoid the influence of confounders. There is also a need to determine the effect of long-term cognitive decline while reducing interference by other variables.

Minimal-Access Coronary Revascularization: Past, Present, and Future.

Minimal-access cardiac surgery appears to be the future. It is increasingly desired by cardiologists and demanded by patients who perceive superiority. Minimal-access coronary artery revascularisation has been increasingly adopted throughout the world. Here, we review the history of minimal-access coronary revascularization and see that it is almost as old as the history of cardiac surgery. Modern minimal-access coronary revascularization takes a variety of forms-namely minimal-access direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB), hybrid coronary revascularisation (HCR), and totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB). It is noteworthy that there is significant variation in the nomenclature and approaches for minimal-access coronary surgery, and this truly presents a challenge for comparing the different methods. However, these approaches are increasing in frequency, and proponents demonstrate clear advantages for their patients. The challenge that remains, as for all areas of surgery, is demonstrating the superiority of these techniques over tried and tested open techniques, which is very difficult. There is a paucity of randomised controlled trials to help answer this question, and the future of minimal-access coronary revascularisation, to some extent, is dependent on such trials. Thankfully, some are underway, and the results are eagerly anticipated.

Alternative Approaches to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, How Do They Compare?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Severe symptomatic CAD is treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Alternative CABG (ACABG) approaches including thoracotomy, off-pump, total endoscopic, and robotic-assisted CABG are increasing in prevalence to address the increased early risk of CABG. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to review the contemporary literature comparing outcomes after ACABG and PCI. Pubmed, Medline, and Embase were systematically searched by 2 authors for articles comparing the outcomes after ACABG and PCI. A total of 1154 articles were screened, and 11 were included in this review. The RevMan 5.4 software was used to perform a meta-analysis of the pooled data. Individual studies found rates of long-term survival, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization either favored ACABG or did not differ significantly. Pooled estimates of the compiled data identified rates of MACCE, MI, and repeat revascularization favored ACABG. The results of this review demonstrated the favorable rates of long-term mortality, MACCE, MI, and repeat revascularization for ACABG in addition to similar short-term mortality and stroke when compared with PCI. Advancement of both CABG and PCI continues to improve patient outcomes. With the increasing prevalence of ACABG, similar studies will need to be undertaken with further direct comparisons between ACABG and PCI. Finally, hybrid revascularization should continue to be explored for its combined benefits of long-term outcomes, short-term safety, and ability to achieve complete revascularization.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting—port placements, internal mammary artery harvesting and anastomosis techniques

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting—port placements, internal mammary artery harvesting and anastomosis techniques

Clinical results after hybrid coronary revascularization with totally endoscopic coronary surgery

BackgroundThe optimal revascularization strategy remains uncertain in multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD). The durability of the surgical grafts should be weighed against the decreased invasiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR), a combination of PCI and surgery, could be a feasible alternative. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and all-cause mortality after both endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo-CABG) and the HCR procedure.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective observational study, 347 consecutive patients have been subjected to an Endo-CABG procedure, of which 103 underwent HCR between January 2016 and January 2018. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to match 103 Endo-CABG alone patients to the 103 HCR patients. The Endo-CABG procedure was performed through 3 endoscopic ports (5 mm) in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intercostal space and a utility port of 3 cm.ResultsIn both the HCR and matched endo-CABG alone group, the 30-day mortality was acceptable (0% in the HCR group and 1.94% in the matched Endo-CABG alone group, p = 0.155). Additionally, the occurrence of MACCE after a mean follow-up of 1188 ± 538 days was similar in both groups (9.71% and 11.65% for the HCR and matched Endo-CABG alone group, respectively, p = 0.652). Still, the long-term all-cause mortality over this period was significantly higher in the matched Endo-CABG alone group (2.91% after the HCR procedure and 11.65% after matched Endo-CABG alone, p = 0.002).ConclusionHCR has some advantages over Endo-CABG alone regarding the all-cause mortality, cross-clamping time, intensive care unit, and hospital length of stay. Therefore, HCR may be a suitable alternative therapy for patients with MVCAD.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB)—placement of bilateral internal mammary arteries to the left ventricle

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB)—placement of bilateral internal mammary arteries to the left ventricle

Echniques for Robotic-Assisted Surgical Myocardial Revascularization

The two current strategies for robotic-assisted, surgical myocardial revascularization are minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) and totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB). We discuss the rationale underlying the benefits of robotic assistance in surgical myocardial revascularization, and detail the technical steps to safely and effectively perform these two procedures.

Review of the differences in outcomes between males and females after revascularization.

This review aims to compare outcomes of males and females undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), off-pump CABG (OPCAB), minimally invasive direct CABG (MIDCAB), and robotic total endoscopic CABG (TECAB). Females demonstrated increased rates of morbidity and mortality post PCI and CABG. In studies that performed risk adjustments, these differences were reduced. Although inferior outcomes were observed for females in some measures, generally outcomes between males and females were comparable post OPCAB, MIDCAB, and TECAB. Previous literature has demonstrated that females undergoing coronary revascularization experience inferior postoperative outcomes when compared to their male counterparts. The discrepancies between males and females narrow, but do not disappear when preoperative risks are accounted for and when considering minimally invasive approaches such as MIDCAB, OPCAB, and TECAB. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has demonstrated numerous benefits with reduced morbidity, mortality, and shorter recovery times. In patients with increased comorbidities, minimally invasive approaches confer a greater advantage. As females often fall within this category, it is paramount that the diagnosis and referral process be optimized to account for preoperative differences to provide the most beneficial approach if the disparity between the sexes is to be addressed.

Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting: current knowledge and future perspectives.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) and totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) are the two existing strategies for robotic-assisted, surgical myocardial revascularization. In this review, we summarize the wide evidence available in the literature regarding the benefits of these two procedures, and detail the technical skills required to master robotic coronary surgery techniques.

Hybrid coronary revascularization with endoscopic closed-chest arterial coronary bypass technique (endo-CABG)

Abstract Introduction Treatment of three-vessel coronary disease in minimally invasive manner could be complex in some cases. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) gives good patency rates which outlive vein grafts. The hybrid approach, combination of PCI with minimally invasive endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft (endo-CABG), might be a valuable option for treatment of multivessel coronary disease. Hereby we describe our series of patients undergoing arterial revascularization of the anterior and/or lateral wall combined with PCI of the right coronary artery or a marginal branch. Methods From March 2013 until December 2019, 208 patients (82.2% males, mean age: 66.69±10.44 years) underwent hybrid coronary revascularization for multivessel disease. Patients with multivessel disease suitable for hybrid approach were accepted at the heart team. All patients received total arterial revascularisation by endo-CABG. The PCI was prior or after the endo-CABG. There was no discontinuation of dual platelet therapy. Uni or bilateral internal mammary artery (IMA) harvesting was performed through three 5mm endoscopic ports in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th intercostal space. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established using a minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) with groin cannulation. Transthoracic aortic cross-clamping was followed by antegrade administration of a single shot cold mixed blood cardioplegia. A utility port of three centimeter was used for direct vision anastomosis. Results The procedure was successful in all patients, requiring no conversion to full sternotomy. Mean cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass times were 44.38±28.33 and 91.75±37.97 minutes, respectively, with a mean of 2.1±0.91 bypasses for each patient. All patients received total arterial revascularization. The mean ICU and hospital length of stay were 62.5±39.74 hours and 8.80±4.64 days, respectively. Average postoperative blood loss over 24 hours was 555.20±859.19 mL. There were 8 re-interventions on the target vessels (3.8%) and 2 patients suffered from a stroke (1%). The 30-day mortality rate was 0.5%. Conclusion Minimally invasive hybrid arterial coronary revascularization is a safe and valuable alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting in many patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. The endo-CABG is a safe and feasible technique without compromising operative morbidity and providing good postoperative results. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Jessa Hospital

Angiographic patency after robotic beating heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting facilitated by automated distal anastomotic connectors.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) on the beating heart has been facilitated in our experience using distal coronary anastomotic connectors. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed graft patency in all robotic TECAB patients who underwent formal angiography at our current institution over a 5-year period. Between July 2013 and June 2018, 361 consecutive patients underwent robotic beating-heart TECAB. Of these patients, 121 had a follow-up angiogram, which assessed graft patency. Eighty-four patients had an angiogram as part of planned hybrid procedures and 37 patients underwent an unplanned angiogram for clinical indications. Retrospective analysis of angiographic patency and clinical outcomes was performed. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality was 1.8%. Single-vessel bypass was performed in 40 (33%) patients and multivessel grafting in 81 (67%). Average flow (ml/min) and pulsatility index in the grafts was 74.7 ± 39.1 and 1.42 ± 0.52, respectively. The number of grafts evaluated was 204 (130 left internal mammary artery and 74 right internal mammary artery grafts). The median time to angiography was 1.0 and 16.0 months and graft patency was 98% and 91% in the hybrid and non-hybrid groups, respectively. Overall graft patency was 95.6% (left internal mammary artery = 96%; right internal mammary artery = 93%). Left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery graft patency was 97%. Clinical follow-up was available for 316 (88%) patients at mean 22.5 ± 15.1 months. Freedom from major adverse cardiac events at 2 years was 92%. In this consecutive series of patients undergoing formal angiography after robotic single and multivessel TECAB, we found satisfactory graft patency and 2-year clinical outcomes. Longer-term follow-up is warranted.

‘Is totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting compared with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting associated with superior outcomes in patients with isolated left anterior descending disease?’

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘Is totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting compared with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting associated with superior outcomes in patients with isolated left anterior descending disease?’ Altogether more than 118 papers were found using the reported search, of which 4 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question, which included 2 prospective cohort studies and 2 retrospective observational studies. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers were tabulated. There is a significant variation within the MIDCAB and TECAB techniques amongst the studies-including the experience of the surgeon, use of cardiopulmonary bypass, patient selection, and target vessel grafting strategies-highlighting the complexity of comparing these two minimally invasive procedures. Operative times were comparable across all studies, with TECAB patients having higher transfusions rates and conversion rates to either a median sternotomy or MIDCAB procedure. Overall safety was comparable between the two cohort groups, with similar length of stay and 30-day mortality. However, the TECAB group were more likely to require re-operation for bleeding and reintervention for early revascularisation with greater total hospital costs than the MIDCAB patients. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that TECAB is associated with a higher rate of transfusions, conversion to median sternotomy or MIDCAB, early graft failure and reintervention compared to the MIDCAB approach. We advise caution in adopting a TECAB approach.

A new viewpoint on endoscopic CABG: technique description and clinical experience

BackgroundThe aim of this paper is to describe a newly developed endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft (Endo-CABG) technique to treat patients with single- and multi-vessel disease and discuss the short-term clinical results in a large patient cohort. This technique avoids a median sternotomy by combining a thoracoscopic technique via three ∼5 mm thoracic ports and a mini-thoracotomy utility 3–4 cm port through the intercostal space. MethodsFrom January 2016 to January 2018, data from consecutive patients undergoing an elective Endo-CABG were prospectively entered into a customized database and retrospectively reviewed. Patients scheduled for a combined hybrid intervention were excluded. Conversion rate to sternotomy, incidence of surgical revision and postoperative graft failure, one-month survival, morbidity, and length of stay (LOS) were investigated. Subgroup analyses were performed. ResultsA total of 342 patients undergoing an Endo-CABG with one (n = 53) or multiple (n = 289) bypasses were included. No conversion to sternotomy occurred and incidence of surgical revision, graft failure, and 30-day mortality was 7.3%, 1.5%, and 1.8%, respectively. Adverse neurological outcomes were rare: cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, epilepsy, and postoperative delirium were observed in 0.6%, 0.3%, 0.3%, and 5.3% of patients, respectively. Median intensive care unit and hospital LOS were 2.75 (IQR 1.8 to 3.8) and 8.0 days (IQR 7.0 to 10.0), respectively. Thirty-day mortality in obese patients, diabetics, and octogenarians was 0%, 3.6%, and 5.6%, respectively. EuroSCORE II > 5% was associated with a high 30-day mortality (25%). ConclusionsEndo-CABG can be considered a safe and effective procedure to treat single- and multi-vessel coronary artery disease. Individual patient selection seems not necessary to apply this technique.

Robotic Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes from the Past two Decades.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) was introduced in 1998 and has over a period of two decades gradually emerged from single-vessel revascularization to multivessel bypass grafting. Dedicated centers have continuously evolved and further developed this minimally invasive method of coronary bypass surgery. A literature review was conducted to assess intra- and postoperative outcomes of TECAB. PubMed returned 19 comprehensive articles on TECAB. Investigation was focused on perioperative outcome parameters, i.e.: operative time, conversion to larger incision, revision for bleeding, atrial fibrillation, stroke, acute renal failure, and mortality. Outcome from the analysis of 2,397 reported cases showed an average operative time of 291 ± 57 minutes (range 112 to 1,050), conversion rate to larger incisions at 11.5%, and perioperative mortality at 0.8%. Pooled data demonstrated 4.2% operative revision rate due to postoperative hemorrhage, 1.0% stroke incidence, 1.6% acute renal failure, and 13.3% de novo atrial fibrillation. The mean length of hospital stay measured 5.8 ± 1.7 days. Conversion rates and operative times decreased over time. According to data in the literature, coronary bypass surgery carried out in completely endoscopic fashion utilizing robotic assistance can require relatively extensive operative times and conversion rates are somewhat higher than in other robotic cardiac surgery. However, major postoperative events lie in an acceptable range. TECAB remains the surgical revascularization method with the least tissue trauma and represents an opportunity for coronary artery bypass grafting via port access. Rates of major complications are at least similar to conventional surgical access procedures.

Robot-Assisted Mitral Valve Plasty

In April 2014, Team Watanabe have completed 249 robot-assisted cardiac surgeries. Wide range of procedures include internal thoracic artery harvesting, totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG), atrial septal defect closure, mitral valve plasty, cardiac tumor resection. The major benefit of robot-assisted cardiac surgery, which differentiates it from minimally invasive cardiac surgery, is that it only requires a few ports instead of small thoracotomy. Mitral valve plasty for regurgitation is one of the most suitable indication, which represents the advantage of robot-assisted cardiac surgery. The da Vinci surgical system completely changed the modality of cardiac surgeries from median sternotomy to endoscopic approach. Endoscopic surgery is expected not only to provide superior cosmesis but also to reduce complications and improve post-operative quality of life. In addition, we consider that sharing the same surgical view on the screen monitor is another great benefit from the educational point of view for the next-generation.

Minimal invasive coronary bypass surgery the robotic total endoscopic approach

The aim of this paper is to present the latest recommendations for practitioners for preoperative preparation, surgical procedures and postoperative treatment in patients with myocardial revascularization using robotic total endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (CARG), which is applied as daily clinical routine practice at the Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Many patients indicated for coronary bypass surgery may be candidates for robotic total endoscopic CARG. The paper illustrates eligibility criteria of this procedure, preoperative assessment and preparation principles, peripheral access for cardiopulmonary bypass and port insertion, then graft harvesting procedure, initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass and application of endoaortic clamping, identification and exposure of the target vessels, anastomosis procedure and postoperative care in this group of patients.

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) of the left anterior descending and right coronary artery system using an arterial Y-graft technique

Robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) of the left anterior descending and right coronary artery system using an arterial Y-graft technique

Long-Term Clinical and Computed Tomography Angiographic Follow-up After Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting was shown to be feasible and safe, with excellent clinical and angiographic mid-term results. Data on long-term outcome are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the long-term rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and left internal mammary artery patency rate in patients undergoing arrested heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting. From 2001 to 2012, a total of 208 arrested heart-totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting patients were prospectively included. Mean ± SD age was 58.8 ± 9.4 years, and mean ± SD Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 0.5 ± 0.5%. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, re-percutaneous coronary intervention, re-coronary artery bypass graft, and target vessel revascularization. Left internal mammary artery patency was assessed using cardiac computed tomography and depicted according to the established Fitzgibbon classification. Mean ± SD follow-up was 6.9 ± 2.3 years. At 1, 5, and 10 years, survival rate was 100%, 98.3%, and 95.8%, respectively. The freedom from clinical events at 1, 5, and 10 years were major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (93.5%, 85.9%, and 83.0%), myocardial infarction (99.0%, 97.4%, and 95.9%), target vessel revascularization (96.0%, 94.3%, and 91.7%), re-percutaneous coronary intervention (94.5%, 91.6%, and 84.2%), and re-coronary artery bypass graft (100%, 99.5%, and 99.5%), respectively. Left internal mammary artery patency rate at 1, 5, and 10 years was 100%, 94.9%, and 88.1%, respectively. Arrested heart-totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting shows excellent clinical long-term results with a left internal mammary artery patency rate comparable with conventional coronary artery bypass graft at 10 years after surgery.