Anastomosis Of Internal Mammary Artery Research Articles

Comparison of Robot-Assisted Multivessel Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass and Hybrid Revascularization

BackgroundThis study compares 2 minimally invasive coronary revascularization approaches: robot-assisted multivessel minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) and the hybrid approach combining MIDCAB with subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on cases of robotic MIDCAB performed at our institution between 2012 and 2022. Two groups of patients were analyzed: the surgery group (undergoing robotic multivessel MIDCAB) and the hybrid group. Surgical procedures included robotic left internal mammary artery harvest and anastomosis, with percutaneous coronary intervention performed within 30 days in the hybrid group. ResultsThere were 105 patients in the surgery group and 81 patients in the hybrid group. Both groups had similar characteristics, except that the surgery group had older patients. There were no mortalities in either group. Postoperative atrial fibrillation rates were higher in the surgery group. Length of stay and other postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the groups. ConclusionsMultivessel robotic MIDCAB can be safely performed with comparable outcomes to the hybrid approach. The hybrid technique, being less demanding, is the preferred in most centers. However, multivessel robotic MIDCAB offers the advantage of complete revascularization and potentially more durable results. Patients with complex non–left anterior descending lesions may not be suitable for the hybrid approach.

Pre-arterialization of coronary veins prior to retroperfusion of ischemic myocardium: percutaneous closure device.

Chronic coronary retroperfusion to treat myocardial ischemia has previously failed due to edema and hemorrhage of coronary veins suddenly exposed to arterial pressures. The objective of this study was to selectively adapt the coronary veins to become arterialized prior to coronary venous retroperfusion to avoid vascular edema and hemorrhage. In 32 animals (Group I = 19 and Group II = 13), the left anterior descending (LAD) artery was occluded using an ameroid occlusion model. In Group I, the great cardiac vein was blocked with suture ligation (Group IA = 11) or with occlusion device (Group IB = 8) to arterialize the venous system within 2 weeks at intermediate pressure (between arterial and venous levels) before a coronary venous bypass graft (CVBG) was implemented through a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) anastomosis. Group II only received the LAD artery occlusion and served as control. Serial echocardiograms showed recovery of left ventricular (LV) function with this adaptation-arterialization approach, with an increase in ejection fraction (EF) in Group I from 38% ± 5% after coronary occlusion to 53% ± 7% eight weeks after CVBG, whereas in Group II the EF never recovered (41% ± 2%-33% ± 7%). The remodeling of the venous system not only allowed restoration of myocardial function when CVBG was implemented but possibly promoted a novel form of "collateralization" between the native arterioles and the newly arterialized venules, which revascularized the ischemic myocardium. These findings form a potential rationale for a venous arterialization-revascularization treatment for the refractory angina and the "no-option" patients using a hybrid percutaneous (closure device for arterialization)/surgical approach (CVBG) to revascularize the myocardium.

Blue-Blood Pig Thorax Model Increases Residents' Confidence in Internal Mammary Dissection.

Preparation of the recipient vessels is a crucial step in autologous breast reconstruction, with limited opportunity for resident training intraoperatively. The Blue-Blood-infused porcine chest wall-a cadaveric pig thorax embedded in a mannequin shell, connected to a saline perfusion system-is a novel, cost-effective ($55) simulator of internal mammary artery (IMA) dissection and anastomosis intended to improve resident's comfort, safety, and expertise with all steps of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the use of this chest wall model on resident's confidence in performing dissection and anastomosis of the IMA, as well as obtain resident's and faculty's perspectives on model realism and utility. Plastic surgery residents and microsurgery faculty at the University of Wisconsin were invited to participate. One expert microsurgeon led individual training sessions and performed as the microsurgical assistant. Participants anonymously completed surveys prior to and immediately following their training session to assess their change in confidence performing the procedure, as well as their perception of model realism and utility as a formal microsurgical training tool on a five-point scale. Every participant saw improvement in confidence after their training session in a minimum of one of seven key procedural steps identified. Of participants who had experience with this procedure in humans, the majority rated model anatomy and performance of key procedural steps as "very" or "extremely" realistic as compared with humans. 100% of participants believed practice with this model would improve residents' ability to perform this operation in the operating room and 100% of participants would recommend this model be incorporated into the microsurgical training curriculum. The Blue-Blood porcine chest wall simulator increases trainee confidence in performing key steps of IMA dissection and anastomosis and is perceived as valuable to residents and faculty alike.

Once in a Blue Moon: Iatrogenic Coronary Dissection in Anomalous Coronary Artery

Coronary anomalies present as a rare phenomenon. One of the most observed coronary anomalies is the single coronary artery (SCA) originating from one coronary ostium and dividing into the coronary arteries in various configurations1Angelini P. Coronary artery anomalies: an entity in search of an identity.Circulation. 2007; 115: 1296-1305Crossref PubMed Scopus (532) Google Scholar, classified by Lipton’s Classification.2Lipton M.J. Barry W.H. Obrez I. Silverman J.F. Wexler L. Isolated single coronary artery: diagnosis, angiographic classification, and clinical significance.Radiology. 1979; 130: 39-47Crossref PubMed Scopus (414) Google Scholar A 38-year-old male patient was admitted to a community hospital with typical signs of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) but without any known comorbidities. Urgent coronary angiography revealed a rare anomaly (incidence of 0.008%3Yamanaka O. Hobbs R.E. Coronary artery anomalies in 126,595 patients undergoing coronary arteriography.Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn. 1990; 21: 28-40Crossref PubMed Google Scholar,4Mohanty A. Chandra S. A rare case of 'superdominant' single coronary artery.Indian Heart J. 2015; 67: 389-391Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Google Scholar) of an SCA with the left coronary system originating from the right coronary periphery, posterior to the great vessels (Lipton’s Classification R-IP, table 1) and occlusion of the circumflex artery (CX) (figure 1a-b, video 1). A culprit-lesion percutaneous coronary intervention was attempted. However, despite the use of various flexible guidewires and angled microcatheters (90°) CX passage through the left main artery equivalent (LMA) was not achieved (video 2) and resulted in ST elevation. A prompt control demonstrated a dissection of the LMA (figure 1c, video 3). Further interventional approaches were waived and the patient was transferred for surgical revascularization.Table 1Lipton’s Single Coronary Artery Classification2Lipton M.J. Barry W.H. Obrez I. Silverman J.F. Wexler L. Isolated single coronary artery: diagnosis, angiographic classification, and clinical significance.Radiology. 1979; 130: 39-47Crossref PubMed Scopus (414) Google ScholarCodeDescriptionOstial LocationRRight Sinus of ValsalvaLLeft Sinus of ValsalvaAnatomical DistributionIThe solitary domain vessel follows the course of either a normal right or left coronary arteryIIOne coronary artery arises from the proximal part of the normally located other coronary arteryIIILAD and CX arise separately from a common trunk originating from the right sinus of ValsalvaCourse of the Transverse TrunkAAnterior to the great vesselsBBetween the aorta and the pulmonary arteriesPPosterior to the great vesselsSSeptal Type: A part of the route passes through the interventricular septumCCombined Type: Combination of diverse routes Open table in a new tab Intraoperatively, coronary dissection could be confirmed, whereas the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and CX were identified in the typical locations. Coronary revascularization was performed by anastomosis of the left internal mammary artery to the LAD, and a saphenous vein graft to the CX in perfusion-assisted beating heart technique. The postoperative course remained uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. The main issue in SCA persists in the dependency on one system with fatal results in proximal occlusion. Since the overall incidence of coronary anomalies is very low3Yamanaka O. Hobbs R.E. Coronary artery anomalies in 126,595 patients undergoing coronary arteriography.Cathet Cardiovasc Diagn. 1990; 21: 28-40Crossref PubMed Google Scholar, the treatment strategy for acute coronary syndromes in patients with anomalous coronary anatomy remains questionable. In particular, an interventional approach in complex coronary anatomy can result in coronary injury. Since in cases of myocardial infarction time matters most, a deep – even inter-hospital – heart team approach is crucial to maintain in-time life-saving treatments. •Lipton’s Classification R-IP is the rarest form of single coronary artery configuration with the left coronary system originating from the right coronary periphery.•Percutaneous coronary intervention of the left coronary system may be very challenging in Lipton’s Classification R-IP•Surgical revascularization is a reasonable strategy in particular when the coronary periphery location is in typical location.•A deep heart team approach is crucial to maintain in-time life-saving treatments in such critical and complex cases. eyJraWQiOiI4ZjUxYWNhY2IzYjhiNjNlNzFlYmIzYWFmYTU5NmZmYyIsImFsZyI6IlJTMjU2In0.eyJzdWIiOiI1ZWIwZTk5NTRiZWEzMDA2MGVlNzI5MmM4OTZjNDlmYyIsImtpZCI6IjhmNTFhY2FjYjNiOGI2M2U3MWViYjNhYWZhNTk2ZmZjIiwiZXhwIjoxNjc2MjA3NTg4fQ.My1bJvayG27S7R8PKVtQsWVd9XLKhwldpsEWqzuMHIzYxOz_VIFRiJulyjzbngC4CyNUqZMU_qmU-_r_3QPgVbNU2xkwNmcDVsxgXDGD3oSMx3rmyXQK-bNXjlY-qh_YzCrTQ4UEB8jH1qiVcNVpHyrGc-MtRjc7v89p3xEBD1aa_Ns-xk1OOfXUrdGlF9O7EQX7iWrHtaVkLbdCUhgxc55eQP4YI97gKqxSTzFKe4nOdxPc5K41oBsMkajdNYt83O5oDph59QzDCmbWJJDlinjzvGQqRFcavZjX7emVYeuqr5DOGxgmXTA36j331owW-wzHpdKn7wy_SAu2l1u30g Download .mp4 (3.49 MB) Help with .mp4 files eyJraWQiOiI4ZjUxYWNhY2IzYjhiNjNlNzFlYmIzYWFmYTU5NmZmYyIsImFsZyI6IlJTMjU2In0.eyJzdWIiOiIzYjhkMDgxYzg2OTRiYTM0MDZmYTgyZDcyYzcxMmI1NyIsImtpZCI6IjhmNTFhY2FjYjNiOGI2M2U3MWViYjNhYWZhNTk2ZmZjIiwiZXhwIjoxNjc2MjA3NTg4fQ.gH37xsv4GXLcsKMdb-SAuac7Xh_CpCm5C0UOpTzC6x5WB68zYxcjtSgpUhdMHve6TUbPHbeu4gyaKxxZOZFAyXhaMk3R4CzuIFQGSdNyQ3UbqN2MXekQOyGM0i6FNEiLMnWIlxCoQlwOvXWyQ1sI5cKCz5qIkr0f6r_5o2C3gv15nrn3mBIX3vPynprGA_1gHGfLtCQXAvMvVUwYfg-Ba-GOjt1NTSJ0ccCjlQefWR_6jSDTk7NX3BfZ5jU-ybtSzeAxEfALNpfSP2YHm960AaPVaXDNtI0CYb5bkGWLepuD3vzkGAahQrf2K23VUEfho5FELp_CpUVjx4EUMLZ3gA Download .mp4 (1.48 MB) Help with .mp4 files eyJraWQiOiI4ZjUxYWNhY2IzYjhiNjNlNzFlYmIzYWFmYTU5NmZmYyIsImFsZyI6IlJTMjU2In0.eyJzdWIiOiI2MTc2OTE5MTY2ZDM1OTQ1NTUzYTQ3MzcwOTc1OWJlNiIsImtpZCI6IjhmNTFhY2FjYjNiOGI2M2U3MWViYjNhYWZhNTk2ZmZjIiwiZXhwIjoxNjc2MjA3NTg4fQ.G5pvhhPUt-Kl_kxjdKfL-lOu-rH4hRhKzFlVwwANSrmNUjBoRc_thtwNvFupLmPpm1meakrWBTvBZ-JrBLOAlq6fW3AXl46Qy5drW5RxsehHs52zYd8GMPUQ9Trimxz6LG5NH50cVzlCWKi_iaZKUGpRueErVe1WFrp0YqXxkauvv-qmuoIW2pTQS1IpP-6E3u_z8OpKdj53TlaNfpGQJq3z28Uqw5FsY44sS9OP0k_A6uhflBqSRFLKU22pDTS3TPOUSqoxJAATd7yxU-H9QckIiu6lEHsAS2AKowXlAZiXHJnAcRaOBWAFkXx7eJ-MkLy7Eqms1glQNP6hxmoK4Q Download .mp4 (0.95 MB) Help with .mp4 files

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

Computational Fluid Dynamic Evaluation of Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator (DIEP) Flap End-to-Side Anastomosis.

BackgroundEnd-to-side (ETS) microvascular anastomoses are utilized within deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction procedures. Optimization of these anastomoses via a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model can minimize ischemia and contribute to flap success.Methods A CFD model of a deep inferior epigastric artery to internal mammary artery anastomosis was constructed with OpenFOAM software (OpenCFD Ltd., Bracknell, UK). Blood was modelled as an incompressible Newtonian fluid. Viscosity and density were assumed to be constant throughout the simulation. Mean arterial pressure was held constant at 100 mmHg. Individual virtual meshes were created for 30-, 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-degree anastomotic angle simulations. Fluid flow was visualized with line integral convolution (LIC) and pure fluid velocity (PFV) techniques. Vessel wall shear stress (WSS) was also visualized.Results The LIC revealed blood recirculation was associated with large anastomotic angles with minimal to no recirculation seen in the 45- and 30-degree simulations. Any recirculation visualized was confined to the toe of the bifurcation. This recirculation was associated with stagnation in the toe of the graft vessel as well, as visualized by the PFV model. A linear relationship was identified between anastomotic angle and percentage of stagnant fluid, with stagnation increasing as the anastomotic angle increased. Wall shear stress increased with the anastomotic angle and was concentrated in the heel and toe of the model.Conclusions The CFD modelling shows that increased acuity of anastomotic angles in ETS DIEP flaps is essential to minimize stagnation, recirculation, and WSS. Successful implementation of this recommendation may directly decrease the risk of flap failure from ischemia.

Simulating the IMA Recipient Site for DIEP Flap Surgery: A New Model for Dynamic Microsurgery Simulation with Real-Time Respiration and a Pilot Study.

Breast reconstruction (BR) using autologous free flaps has been shown to have numerous psychosocial and quality-of-life benefits. Unfortunately, the microsurgical learning curve is quite steep due to some unique operative challenges. Currently, there is no realistic simulation model that captures real-life respiratory excursion and the depth of internal mammary vessels within the compact recipient site. The purpose of this study was to delineate intraoperative measurements of depth and motion, describe the resulting simulation model, and conduct a pilot study evaluating the simulator as an educational resource. This is a single-center, ethics-approved study. For the intraoperative measurements, all consecutive patients undergoing free flap BR using internal mammary vessels as recipients were recruited. Patient and intraoperative factors as well as intraoperative measurements were recorded. A dynamic model was developed based on intraoperative parameters. For the pilot study, plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees were recruited to complete a hand-sewn internal mammary artery (IMA) anastomosis using the new simulator and completed objective questionnaires pre- and postsimulation. Subjective feedback was recorded and themes determined. Fifteen operative sites were analyzed. Flap pocket was found to be between 4 and 5 cm in depth with vertical excursion of 3.7 ± 1.0mm and a respiratory rate of 9 to 14 breaths/minute. Previous radiation, rib space, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, tidal volume, and respiratory rate showed no correlation to vessel depth/excursion. Laterality, rib space, BMI, radiation, vitals, and tidal volume had no correlation with vessel movement. Twenty-two trainees were included in the pilot. An increase in confidence and mixed results for anxiety was reported. This study reports a novel microsurgical simulation model that provides a realistic deep inferior epigastric perforator free flap BR IMA anastomosis experience. It replicates movement of vessels in situ with real-time respiratory excursion and similar physical structures of the internal mammary system. This model shows promising results for increased use in microsurgical education.

The electrocardiogram: the great mimicker

A patient with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting, with in particular anastomosis of the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) to a significant diagonal branch (D1), was admitted to the em...

Optical coherence tomography of coronary grafts

Background. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is the most common cardiac surgery in the world. Graft failure is a complex multifactorial process that occurs in a significant part of all grafts.Aim. To identify predictors of early coronary bypass failure using optical coherence tomography.Methods. A prospective observational study included 10 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. After surgical myocardial revascularization, the patients underwent coronary angiography with optical coherence tomography (OCT) of arterial and venous grafts, including the distal anastomosis and conjugate segment of the target coronary artery. Endothelial damage; the presence of severe tortuosity, stenosis, spasm and parietal thrombi; the ratio of the diameters of the conduit and the native coronary artery was assessed.Results. A control study revealed several findings. In one case, the left internal mammary artery was occluded, which required stenting of the left anterior descending artery. In one patient, a dissection of the left internal mammary artery anastomosis was revealed, while a double lumen with the formation of a false channel was revealed on the OCT. In one case, stenosis of a saphenous vein graft on the right coronary artery was determined (53.1% by area). In three cases, a pronounced recalibration of the diameters of the saphenous vein graft and the target coronary artery with more than two times the ratio was revealed, and in one case, the diameter of the target artery was less than 2 mm.Conclusion. OCT is an effective method for visualizing morphological changes not only in coronary arteries, but also in coronary bypass grafts, which may be associated with early graft failure.

Graft failure and recurrence of symptoms after coronary artery bypass grafting

Objectives. Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) most often used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are subject to graft disease and have poor long-term patency, however the clinical implication of this is not completely known. We aim to assess the influence of graft failure on the postoperative recurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms in relation to the contribution from progression of atherosclerosis in the native coronary vessels. Design. Within the SWEDEHEART registry we identified 46,663 CABG cases between 2001 and 2015 with patient age 40–80 years where single internal mammary artery (IMA) anastomosis (IMA), single IMA with one (1SVG) or multiple SVG anastomoses (2+ SVG) had been performed. Clinical characteristics as well as mortality and postoperative incidence of coronary angiography were recorded and multivariable adjusted hazard ratios were calculated. Indications for the angiographies and occurrence of graft failure were also registered. Results. The adjusted hazard ratio for death was similar for the three groups. The adjusted hazard ratio for being submitted to angiography as compared to 2+ SVG was (95% CI) 1.24 (1.06–1.46) for IMA and 1.21 (1.15–1.28) for 1SVG. Failed grafts were found at the first postoperative angiography with preceding CAD symptoms in 21.4% of patients in the IMA group, 41.6% in the 1SVG group and 61.1% in the 2+ SVG group. Conclusions. A substantial amount of angiographies occur in patients without any graft failure and a large part of postoperative recurrence of CAD symptoms and are likely attributed to IMA failure or progression of atherosclerosis in the native coronary arteries.

A Flowmeter Technique to Exclude Internal Mammary Artery Anastomosis Error in an Arrested Heart

The revision of an internal mammary artery graft anastomosis because of a technical error can be time-consuming and complicated and may lead to complications. Here, we describe the technical details and our early experience of using a standard transit-time flowmeter to exclude technical errors and facilitate rapid decision making for anastomosis revision in an arrested heart during aortic cross-clamping in the absence of ultrasound guidance.

Intra-myocardial LAD: Is it a contraindication for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting?

BackgroundThe left anterior descending artery (LAD) is the most important vessel in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). During CABG, LAD may be intra-myocardial for variable distances and depths. This forms a challenge during LAD exposure and anastomosis.The aim was to revise the performed CABG cases to elicit what was the incidence of intramyocardial LAD (IMLAD) among all CABGs, to have an idea about the approaches to the IMLAD and the technique of anastomosis of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to IMLAD off-pump (OPCAB) and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the off-pump for the IMLAD. MethodsSince September 2008 till May 2017; the data of 1138 Off-Pump CABGs were revised. 923 patients had epicardial LAD and it was visible and easily identified throughout 80% of its length; this was group A. 215 (18.89%) patients had IMLAD; they were referred to as group B. ResultsThere were no statistical significant differences between both groups as regards the age, the sex, the risk factors or the duration of surgery. The post operative bleeding, ischemia, CCU stay and hospital stay were not statistically significant. Conversion to on-pump for the mere presence of an intramyocardial LAD was zero%, but it was 1.3% in group A and 1.86% in B due to hemodynamic instability during manipulations (statistically insignificant). ConclusionsThe incidence of IMLAD was 18.89%. IMLAD was a real technical challenge. It was not impossible for exposure and anastomosisas off-pump. The IMLAD is not a contraindication for OPCAB.

Internal Mammary Artery Anastomoses in Patients without Breast Lesions (BIRADS 1) and in Patients with Malignant Breast Lesions (BIRADS 6) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

SummaryBackgroundWe aimed to compare the frequency of IMA (internal mammarian artery) anastomoses in right and left breasts in patients without breast lesions and in patients with malignant breast lesions.Material/MethodsA total of 100 patients with no breast lesions and a total of 100 patients with malignant breast lesions were included in the study. The anastomoses of IMA of right and left breasts were evaluated on MIP and post-contrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Breast MRI scans were read by a radiologist.ResultsIn patients with no breast lesions, IMA anastomoses were found in 45% of cases, and in patients with malignant breast lesions, IMA anastomoses were found in 58% cases. In four patients with malignant lesions, ipsilateral IMA was rudimentary, and the lesion was feeding from the contralateral IMA.ConclusionsNo statistically significant difference was found between patients without any breast lesions and patients with malignant breast lesions with respect to the frequency of IMA anastomoses in right and left breasts. The frequencies were higher than expected in both groups.

A Model of Anterograde Oxygenated Lung Blood Flow in Acardia.

In extreme situations such as hyperacute rejection of heart transplant or major heart trauma, heart explantation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) hemodynamic support might be the only means for survival. In our previous model of acardia, pulmonary artery (PA) was clamped and did not receive any anterograde blood flow. A model of anterograde PA perfusion might be necessary to avoid ischemic pulmonary damage in prolonged ECMO in acardia. The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and to determine the feasibility of an anterograde lung perfusion in acardia through the anastomosis of the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) to the PA. A venoarterial cardiopulmonary bypass was established in three pigs (72 ± 2.6 kg) by the transjugular insertion to the caval axis of a double-staged cannula with carotid artery return. Heart was excised and ECMO was established as previously reported. Right internal mammary artery was harvested and after measurement of its output (93.3 ± 5.8 ml/min, representing 2.17% ± 0.15% of total pump flow), it was anastomosed to PA. Right internal mammary artery anastomosis to PA is a feasible, safe, and easy to perform maneuver assuring an anterograde lung perfusion in acardia.

Robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting improves short-term outcomes compared with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting

Robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafts (RACAB) utilizing the da Vinci surgical system are increasingly used and allow the surgeon to conveniently harvest internal mammary arteries (IMAs). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of off-pump RACAB and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) in the short and medium term. We performed a retrospective review of 132 patients with single- or multiple-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent minimally invasive off-pump CABG (OPCAB) between May 2009 and May 2014. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach, MIDCAB and RACAB group. The anastomosis of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was performed as regular OPCAB through the incision on the beating heart using regular stabilization devices (Genzyme Corporation). The preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data, including major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), were compared. The preoperative data were similar. RACAB significantly shorten the intensive care unit (ICU) stay and postoperative compared with the MIDCAB group (P<0.05). There were 12 (19.7%) patients treated with a two-stage hybrid procedure in the MIDCAB group and 34 (47.9%) patients in the RACAB group (P=0.001). Thirty-day mortality was 1.6% in the MIDCAB group. There were 9 (14.7%) MIDCAB patients and 2 (2.8%) RACAB patients (P=0.013) that developed new arrhythmia. The two groups showed comparable mid-term survival (P=0.246), but the MACCEs were significantly different (P=0.038). RACAB may be a valuable alternative for patients requiring single or simple multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Although the mid-term mortality outcomes are similar, RACAB improves short-term outcomes and mid-term MACCE-free survival compared with MIDCAB.

Tetralogy of Fallot with Anomalous Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery :A Rare Repair – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Surgical total correction of Fallot’s tetralogy (TOF) with coronary artery anomalies is associated with an increased risk for mortality and morbidity. We performed Trans-ventricular and Trans-annular autologous pericardial patchplasty with the incorporation of a monocusp valve at pulmonary annular level after excision of parietal and septal bands and anastomosis of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) at the distal segment of deliberately sacrificed left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in a 20-year young male patient in whom the LAD coronary artery arose from the right sinus of valsalva anomalously just next to the right coronary artery (RCA). The large ventricular septal defect (VSD) was closed with Dacron patch but the small atrial septal defect (ASD) was closed directly with suture. A large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and a major aortopulmonary collateral (MAPCA) were ligated before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The patient was discharged without any problem.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 2, July 2014; 97-101

On-Pump Nonrobotic Total Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: An Animal Study.

Total endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) is currently performed exclusively with the help of a telemanipulator. After extensive practice in a biomechanical model, the operation was performed as a nonrobotic approach in an animal study. Six large domestic pigs were anesthetized and intubated. Port access and endoscopic vision were used exclusively during the intrathoracic procedure. In five animals, an internal mammary artery was harvested, extracorporeal circulation was established via peripheral vessel access, and the ascending aorta occluded with an intraluminal balloon. In cardioplegic arrest, an anastomosis of internal mammary artery and left anterior descending coronary artery was performed with shortened 7-0 monofil thread running suture. As a terminal study, the animals were humanely killed and the quality of the anastomoses was checked. After a steady learning curve, the fifth animal was operated on successfully and a satisfactory anastomosis was documented. Despite demanding differences to humans as shape of thoracic cavity and size of peripheral access vessels, the viability of the nonrobotic TECAB concept was documented in a living animal model.

Tetralogy of Fallot with Anomalous Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery : A Rare Repair – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Surgical total correction of Fallot’s tetralogy (TOF) with coronary artery anomalies is associated with an increased risk for mortality and morbidity. We performed Trans-ventricular and Trans-annular autologous pericardial patchplasty with the incorporation of a monocusp valve at pulmonary annular level after excision of parietal and septal bands and anastomosis of left internal mammary artery (LIMA) at the distal segment of deliberately sacrificed left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in a 20-year young male patient in whom the LAD coronary artery arose from the right sinus of valsalva anomalously just next to the right coronary artery (RCA). The large ventricular septal defect (VSD) was closed with Dacron patch but the small atrial septal defect (ASD) was closed directly with suture. A large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and a major aortopulmonary collateral (MAPCA) were ligated before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The patient was discharged without any problem. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v9i1.19516 University Heart Journal Vol. 9, No. 1, January 2013; 59-63

Outcomes of middle cardiac vein arterialization via internal mammary/thoracic artery anastomosis.

ObjectiveCardiac vein arterialization is seldom applied for treating right coronary artery disease. This study aimed to improve outcomes of cardiac vein arterialization in a porcine model using intramammary artery anastomosis.MethodsA chronic, stenotic coronary artery model was established in 12 of 14 Chinese experimental miniature pigs of either sex, which were randomly divided into equal control (n = 6) and experimental (n = 6) groups. In experimental animals, blood flow was reconstructed in the right coronary artery using intramammary artery. Arterialization involved dissection of right internal mammary artery from bifurcation to apex of thorax followed by end-to-side anastomosis of internal mammary artery and middle cardiac vein plus posterior descending branch of right coronary artery. Intraoperative heart rate was maintained at 110 beats/min. Graft flow assessment and echocardiography were performed when blood pressure and heart rate normalized.ResultsThe experimental group had significantly higher mean endocardial and epicardial blood flow postoperatively than control group (mean endocardial blood flow: 0.37 vs. 0.14 ml/(g*min), p<0.001; mean epicardial blood flow: 0.29 vs. 0.22, p = 0.014). Transmural blood flow was also higher in experimental group than in control group (0.33 vs. 0.19, p<0.001); ejection fraction increased from 0.46% at baseline to 0.51% (p = 0.0038) at 6 hours postoperatively, and mean blood flow of internal mammary artery was 44.50, perfusion index 0.73 at postoperative 6 months, 43.33 and 0.80 at 3 months.ConclusionSuccessful cardiac vein arterialization via intramammary artery in a porcine model suggests that this may be a viable method for reconstructing blood flow in chronic, severe coronary artery disease.

Robotically assisted totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery.

Robotically assisted totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery has emerged as a feasible and efficient alternative to conventional full sternotomy coronary artery bypass graft surgery in selected patients. This minimally invasive approach using the daVinci robotic system allows fine intrathoracic maneuvers and excellent view of the coronary arteries. Both on-pump and off-pump operations can be performed to treat single and multivessel disease. Hybrid approaches have the potential of offering complete revascularization with the "best of both worlds" from surgery (internal mammary artery anastomosis in less invasive fashion) and percutaneous coronary intervention (least invasive approach). In this article we review the indications, techniques, short and long term results, as well as current developments in totally endoscopic robotic coronary artery bypass operations.