Single-vessel Revascularization Research Articles

The effect of chronic total coronary occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention on absolute perfusion in remote myocardium

Abstract Background Successful revascularization of a chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) impacts coronary physiology of the remote myocardial territory. Purpose This study evaluated the effect of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on changes in absolute perfusion in remote myocardium as assessed by serial [15O]H2O positron emission tomography (PET) perfusion imaging. Methods A total of 164 patients underwent [15O]H2O PET imaging at baseline and 3 months after successful single-vessel revascularization of a CTO to evaluate changes in hyperemic myocardial blood flow (hMBF) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the remote myocardial territory supplied by both non-target coronary arteries. Results Remote hMBF and CFR improved (2.29±0.67 to 2.48±0.75 mL min–1 g–1 and 2.48±0.76 to 2.74±0.85, respectively) after CTO revascularization (p<0.01 for both). Absolute perfusion indices in the CTO vessel and the remote myocardium showed a positive linear correlation, both before (r=0.75, p<0.01 and r=0.77, p<0.01 for hMBF and CFR, respectively) and after (hMBF: r=0.87, p<0.01 and CFR: r=0.81, p<0.01) CTO PCI. Absolute increases in remote myocardial perfusion were largest in patients with a higher increase in hMBF (βeta [β] 0.56; 95% CI: 0.47–0.65; p<0.01) and CFR (β 0.51 (0.42–0.60); p<0.01) in the CTO territory, independent of clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics. Furthermore, baseline (hMBF: β −0.24 (−0.39, −0.08); p<0.01 and CFR: β −0.26 (−0.41, −0.11); p<0.01) and post-PCI perfusion (hMBF: β 0.36; (0.27, 0.46); p<0.01 and CFR: β 0.30 (0.21, 0.40); p<0.01) in the CTO vessel were independently associated with the increase in remote myocardial perfusion after CTO PCI. Conclusions An overall increase in remote myocardial perfusion was observed following CTO PCI. Absolute perfusion indices in the remote myocardium showed a positive linear correlation with perfusion in the CTO vessel, before and after CTO revascularization. Importantly, baseline, post-PCI and the absolute increase in perfusion in the CTO territory were independently associated with increases in remote myocardial perfusion after revascularization. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Revascularization of multiple tibial arteries is not associated with improved limb salvage

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the benefit of performing multiple tibial artery revascularization compared with single vessel revascularization for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). MethodsWe performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all patients with CLTI treated with below-the-knee endovascular intervention from 2012 to 2019. Group 1 included patients who had undergone single tibial artery revascularization. Group 2 included patients who had undergone multiple (two or more) tibial artery revascularization. More proximal disease, if present, was treated, in addition to the tibial disease. The primary endpoint was freedom from amputation. The secondary endpoints included the reintervention rates and all-cause mortality. ResultsA total of 527 limbs in 470 patients with CLTI (nonhealing ulcers, 62%; gangrene, 33%; and ischemic rest pain, 5%) were included in the present study. Of the 527 limbs, 245 (46%) had undergone single vessel revascularization and 282 (54%) had undergone multiple vessel revascularization. The mean follow-up was 19 ± 18 months. No difference was found in freedom from amputation between the two groups (68% vs 63%; P = .109). On multivariable analysis, the factors associated with amputation included dialysis (odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.45), dyslipidemia (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.96-1.94), and gangrene (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.50-2.98). No differences were found in the reintervention rates between the two groups (21.2% vs 16.7%; P = .13). The overall survival rate was 73% in both study groups. ConclusionsThe results from the present large, single-center study have demonstrated that multiple below-the-knee vessel revascularization is not associated with improved limb salvage compared with single vessel revascularization.

Percutaneous Versus Surgical Revascularization for Acute Myocardial Infarction

IntroductionAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common medical condition in our clinical practice that should be treated with appropriate revascularization in a timely manner. Percutaneous revascularization (PR) has been the first-line treatment option when feasible. Limited data is available comparing PR to surgical revascularization (SR) in the AMI setting. MethodsStudy population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Data using International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, clinical modifications/procedure coding system codes for AMI, PR, SR, and procedural complications. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of index hospital stay (LOS), stroke, acute kidney injury, bleeding, need for blood transfusion, acute respiratory failure, and total hospital charges. ResultsThe study identified 45,539 discharges with a principal admission diagnosis of AMI (38.7% ST elevation and 61.3% non-ST elevation) who had either PR or SR as a principal procedure (79.1% PR versus 20.9% SR). Single vessel revascularization was performed in 67.8% (93.1% had PR versus 6.9% had SR, p < 0.01). Multivessel revascularization was performed in 32.2% (64.8% had PR versus 35.2% had SR, p < 0.01). 83% of SR was in the setting of non-ST elevation AMI (NSTEMI). In comparison to SR, PR was associated with higher in-hospital all-cause mortality (3.7% versus 2.2%, p < 0.01), shorter LOS (4.3 versus 11.6 days, p < 0.01), and lower incidence of post-procedural stroke (1.0% versus 1.8%, p < 0.01), acute kidney injury (14.9% versus 24.8%, p < 0.01), bleeding (4.3% versus 47.1%, p < 0.01), need for blood transfusion (2.9% versus 18.5%, p < 0.01), acute respiratory failure (10.7% versus 19.8%, p < 0.01), and total hospital charges (120,590$ versus 229,917$, p < 0.01). These results persist after adjustment for baseline characteristics. In a subgroup analysis, SR mortality benefit persisted in patients who had multivessel revascularization (in both ST and non-ST elevation AMI), but not in single vessel revascularization. ConclusionsIn patients presented with AMI, PR was associated with higher in-hospital all-cause mortality but lower morbidity, shorter LOS, and lower total hospital charges than SR. However, the mortality benefit of SR was seen in multivessel revascularization only, and not in single vessel revascularization.

Serial invasive imaging follow-up of the first clinical experience with the Magmaris magnesium bioresorbable scaffold.

ObjectivesTo assess the performance of the commercially available Magmaris sirolimus‐eluting bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) with invasive imaging at different time points.BackgroundCoronary BRS with a magnesium backbone have been recently studied as an alternative to polymeric scaffolds, providing enhanced vessel support and a faster resorption rate. We aimed to assess the performance of the commercially available Magmaris sirolimus‐eluting BRS at different time points.MethodsA prospective, single‐center, nonrandomized study was performed at the Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Six patients with stable de novo coronary artery lesions underwent single‐vessel revascularization with the Magmaris sirolimus‐eluting BRS. Invasive follow‐up including intravascular imaging using optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at different time points.ResultsAt a median of 8 months (range 4–12 months) target lesion failure occurred in one patient. Angiography revealed a late lumen loss of 0.59 ± 0.39 mm, a percentage diameter stenosis of 39.65 ± 15.81%, and a binary restenosis rate of 33.3%. OCT showed a significant reduction in both minimal lumen area (MLA) and scaffold area at the site of the MLA by 43.44 ± 28.62 and 38.20 ± 25.74%, respectively. A fast and heterogeneous scaffold degradation process was found with a significant reduction of patent struts at 4–5 months.ConclusionsOur findings show that the latest iteration of magnesium BRS suffers from premature dismantling, resulting in a higher than expected decrease in MLA.

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.

Microvolt T-wave alternans in young myocardial infarction patients with preserved cardiac function treated with single-vessel primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

IntroductionMyocardial infarction continues to be the most important cause of morbidity and mortality, and recently this disease has begun to be seen commonly at young ages. In our study we aimed to assess microvolt T-wave alternans in young patients who had ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with preserved left ventricular function and who underwent single-vessel revascularization.Material and methodsWe enrolled 108 consecutive patients (age: 39.5 ±4.1) with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and 43 patients (age: 38.5 ±3.7) with normal coronary angiograms as a control group. The myocardial infarction patients were younger than 45 and had a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. They were divided into three groups according to the culprit artery. The microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) values were calculated an average of 12 months after the primary percutaneous coronary intervention using the modified moving average method.ResultsThe MTWA positivity was significantly higher in the STEMI group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). It was also significantly higher in STEMI patients with left anterior descending artery lesions compared to patients with circumflex artery and right coronary artery lesions (p = 0.013). Moreover, the culprit artery was independent predictor of MTWA positivity (p = 0.043).ConclusionsIn STEMI patients of a young age, MTWA positivity was higher than in healthy individuals, especially when the responsible vessel fed a wider region.

Hybrid coronary artery revascularization: initial experience of a single centre

Current guidelines recommend coronary bypass grafting (CABG) as the treatment of choice for patients with triple vessel and left main disease, although the growing use of drug-eluting stents (DES) has significantly reduced the rate of restenosis and extended the use of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) integrates the positive features of both PCI and CABG. We present preliminary results of a prospective study designed to verify the selection of candidates for treatment with hybrid approach. Between September 2011 and August 2014, 42 patients [( M = 37 (88.1%); mean age 68.6 ± 10.3 years, range 53–90] were selected to receive a complete (all lesions of main vessels treated) coronary revascularization with a hybrid approach at our Institution. Age-creatinine-ejection-fraction score was high (>1.277) in 16 (38%) patients, median 1.2 (0.77; 2.89). All patients underwent off-pump single-vessel revascularization (left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery) using a left-anterior small thoracotomy and percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Eighteen patients (42.8%) underwent a simultaneous hybrid approach. Drug-eluting stents were used to treat 49 lesions, were also implanted 6 (7.6%) bioabsorbable stents. Procedural success was obtained in 41 (97.6%) patients. No conversion to full sternotomy and no blood transfusions were necessary during surgery. Median ventilation time was 7.7 (3–33) h and median hospital length of stay was 6 days (3–14). All patients were alive at discharge. Our early experience with HCR shows encouraging results. Randomized studies on a larger series with a longer follow-up are required.

Single-vessel revascularization using robotically enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (ENDO-MIDCAB) compared to open offpump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB)

Single-vessel revascularization using robotically enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (ENDO-MIDCAB) compared to open offpump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB)

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) consists of single-vessel or multivessel revascularization via a small left thoracotomy, and has been proposed as an alternative to a standard sternotomy approach. The purpose of this article is to examine the current status of MICS CABG and discuss its future directions. Experience in the first 450 cases was reported in 2009, and established the efficacy and safety of a small thoracotomy approach for multivessel and single-vessel revascularization. In addition to earlier recovery and rehabilitation, MICS CABG is associated with fewer transfusions and fewer wound infections than off-pump CABG. Recently, the MICS CABG Patency Study showed excellent graft patency in patients assessed by 64-slice computed tomography angiography 6 months after operation. We also showed that the use of cardiopulmonary bypass assistance may help alleviate some of the learning curve inherent in this operation. MICS CABG has developed into a reproducible, high-quality, complete surgical revascularization alternative to conventional CABG. Preservation of sternal integrity allows patients to recover earlier, require fewer transfusions, and experience fewer infections. Further research on expanding the applicability of MICS CABG and enhancing its advantages over conventional CABG is warranted.

Multivessel vs Single‐Vessel Revascularization in Patients With Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome and Multivessel Disease in the Drug‐Eluting Stent Era

We sought to compare long-term outcomes for multivessel revascularization (MVR) vs single-vessel revascularization (SVR) with drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). In DES era, MVR would improve long-term clinical outcomes in patients with NSTE-ACS. We studied 179 patients undergoing MVR and 187 patients undergoing SVR for NSTE-ACS and MVD. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as death, myocardial infarction, or any revascularization. During follow-up (median 36 months), MACE occurred in 96 patients (26.2%); 35 (19.6%) in the MVR group and 61 (32.6%) in the SVR group (P=0.003). In multivariate analysis, MVR was associated with a lower incidence of MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30-0.85) and revascularization (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24-0.78), but not of death (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.25-1.93) and myocardial infarction (HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.11-1.47). The incidence of periprocedural renal dysfunction was not significantly different between patients undergoing MVR vs SVR (3.4% vs 1.6%, P=0.33). Definite or probable stent thrombosis occurred at a similar rate (2.2% in the MVR group and 2.7% in the SVR group, P=0.99). In patients with NSTE-ACS and MVD, MVR using drug-eluting stents may reduce MACE. Our findings should be confirmed by a prospective, randomized trial.

Cost Effectiveness of the Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in High-Risk Patients in Canada

The cost effectiveness of drug-eluting stents in Canada is debated and deserves further evaluation in high-risk patients. We performed an economic analysis from the third-party payer perspective based on the clinical results and resource-utilization data of the C-SIRIUS (The Canadian Study of the Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in the Treatment of Patients with Long De Novo Lesions in Small Native Coronary Arteries) trial, which examined the safety and efficacy of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) versus bare metal stents (BMS) in high-risk patients with single long de novo lesions in small coronary arteries. Only inpatient costs were considered, including physician fees. We postulated that the incremental cost required to avoid a repeat revascularization (RR) procedure with BMS versus simple balloon angioplasty (BA) could be considered the willingness to pay (WTP) to avoid restenosis in Canada. We assessed the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of SES compared with BMS in these high-risk patients compared with WTP. Results are expressed in 2003 Canadian dollars. With a 7% absolute reduction in the need for RR compared with BA, BMS are associated on average with an ICER of US dollars 12,551/RR avoided (RRA) in Canada. In C-SIRIUS, SES further reduced the need for RR at 1 year from 22% to 4% (p = 0.015) compared with BMS. With a 1.5 stent-to-lesion (STL) ratio and an SES retail price of US dollars 2,700 compared with US dollars 700 for BMS, the ICER of SES versus BMS was US dollars 11,275/RRA -- borderline cost effective compared with the implicit WTP of US dollars 12,551 for such health benefit in Canada. Using a lower STL ratio (1.2) would improve the ICER to US dollars 7941/RRA. Treatment of long lesions in small vessels with SES increases net healthcare costs. However, the ICER for SES compares favorably with the currently accepted comparator, i.e. BMS, to reduce coronary restenosis -- at least for higher risk patients undergoing single-vessel revascularization.

Single-Vessel Revascularization With Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass: Minithoracotomy or Ministernotomy?

To compare the early outcome in patients who underwent off-pump single-vessel revascularization of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) using two different approaches of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB): left anterior small thoracotomy (LAST) and lower ministernotomy.A retrospective analysis of the medical records on length of the skin incision, total operation time, duration of mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion rate, ICU stay, postoperative wound pain, and morbidities.Thirty-two patients who underwent MIDCAB with the left internal thoracic artery to the LAD for single-vessel disease were studied. LAST was performed in 16 patients, and ministernotomy was performed in 16 patients. For the ministernotomy approach, the lower half of the sternum was split without transverse division, which we called the lower-end sternal splitting (LESS) approach. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a face-rating scale (scale, 1 to 6).There were no significant differences between the two groups in length of the skin incision, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay. Total operation time was shorter in the LESS group than in the LAST group (p < 0.05). No patients received a blood transfusion in either group. Atrial fibrillation developed in one patient in the LAST group and two patients in the LESS group. Early graft potency was 94% in the LAST group and 100% in the LESS group (p = 0.48). In the LAST group, subcutaneous emphysema developed in three patients and superficial wound dehiscence developed in two patients, but these complications were not observed in the LESS group (p < 0.05). Postoperative pain was significantly higher in the LAST group up to postoperative day 7 (p < 0.05).Although LAST is the most commonly used approach for MIDCAB, wound complications and postoperative pain with this technique are not insignificant compared with the lower ministernotomy approach.

Off-pump surgery and alternatives to standard operation in redo coronary surgery.

Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been associated with higher mortality and morbidity than first-time CABG. Off-pump surgery has been introduced in an effort to reduce morbidity associated with traditional on-pump CABG. However, these techniques present unique challenges in the reoperative setting. A review of our experience was undertaken to determine safety, efficacy, and technical challenges in beating heart reoperative CABG. From January 1999 through April 2003 reoperative CABG procedures performed by a single surgeon were treated on an "intention to treat" basis without cardiopulmonary bypass. A standardized operative technique employing suction stabilization and exposure devices were used for sternotomy procedures with stabilization devices employed for limited access single-vessel revascularization. Eighty-six of eighty-seven (99%) consecutive patients undergoing reoperative CABG had the procedure initiated off-pump. There were 24 of 62 females/males (28%/72%) with a mean age of 64.3 (34 to 92). Eighty-one of eighty-six (94.2%) procedures were successfully completed off-pump. Five (5.8%) conversions were due to hemodynamic instability, inability to dissect dense adhesions (2), inability to locate an intramyocardial LAD (1). The procedures were performed via a median sternotomy in 67 patients (78%) and by limited anterior or lateral thoracotomy in 19 patients (22%). The operative mortality was 2 of 86, predicted risk 6.7%. There was no mortality in the converted patients. Postoperative length of stay was 5.5 days. There were no strokes or perioperative myocardial infarctions. Complications included reoperation for bleeding in 2.2%. Sixty-one of sixty-six (92.4%) patients were able to be extubated in the operating room. The rate of transfusion was 23 in 86 patients (26.5%), and atrial fibrillation was 5 in 86 patients (5.8%). Off-pump CABG can technically be performed safely in most patients presenting for reoperative CABG. Outcomes appear to be improved compared with published outcomes of reoperative on-pump CABG surgery.

Single vessel revascularization with beating heart techniques -- minithoracotomy or sternotomy?

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the best surgical approach in off-pump single vessel revascularization of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). In 256 patients a single left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to LAD bypass was performed with beating heart techniques through a left anterior minithoracotomy (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), n=129) or a full sternotomy (off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB), n=127). In the OPCAB group, significantly more severe comorbidities (P=0.001) and redo-operations were noted (P<0.001). Conversion to sternotomy or CPB was necessary in five MIDCAB patients and one OPCAB patient. No cerebrovascular accident was seen in both groups. There was no hospital death in MIDCAB- and two deaths in OPCAB procedures (P=ns). There was a significant reduction in time of surgery (P=0.028) and coronary occlusion (P=0.009) in the OPCAB group. No differences in postoperative ventilation time, ICU stay and length of hospital stay were recorded between groups. Wound infections occurred in six MIDCAB patients (4.7%) and one OPCAB patient (0.8%). Early postoperative reoperation due to graft failure was necessary in three patients after MIDCAB and two patients after OPCAB (P=ns). Confirmed by angiography, the early graft patency rate was 96 and 98%, respectively (P=ns). Both beating heart techniques showed good results with low hospital mortality, low early complications and comparable angiographic results. Nevertheless, MIDCAB is a challenging technique as demonstrated by the longer times of surgery and coronary occlusion with a tendency towards a higher risk of conversion and wound infection. Thus, this technique should only be performed in selected patients with favourable coronary anatomy. Through a sternotomy approach, single vessel revascularization can be performed safely off-pump even in high-risk patients.

Pre-existing arterial remodeling is associated with in-hospital and late adverse cardiac events after coronary interventions in patients with stable angina pectoris

OBJECTIVESThe goal of this study was to investigate the association between the atherosclerotic arterial remodeling and the incidence of cardiac events after coronary interventions in patients with stable angina.BACKGROUNDThe local mode of de novo atherosclerotic remodeling is associated with plaque vulnerability and clinical symptoms. It may, therefore, reflect plaque morphology influencing the long-term outcome after coronary interventions.METHODSQuantitative angiography and intravascular ultrasound were obtained in 244 patients with stable angina before and after single-vessel revascularization. On the basis of the lesion and the reference segment vessel size, patients were categorized into three groups (adaptive [AR], constrictive [CR] and intermediate [IR] remodeling). The lesion was analyzed for lumen, total vessel and plaque areas. Clinical follow-up was obtained at a mean period of 7.7 ± 3.7 months.RESULTSPatients with CR had a higher rate of in-hospital complications (10.9% vs. 2.9% and 2.7% in group CR vs. AR and IR, p = 0.035). In contrast, patients with AR had the highest rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (44.3% vs. 25.5% in IR and 28.1% in CR, p = 0.024) with a predominance of revascularization at follow-up. Both target lesion restenosis (p = 0.036) and nontarget lesion de novo stenosis (p = 0.007) occurred more frequently in this group. Adaptive remodeling was a significant predictor of MACE in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONSAdaptive remodeling is associated with a higher rate of MACE, target lesion restenosis and nontarget de novo stenosis. This finding may be due to differential responses of the adaptively remodeled vessel to revascularization and a generally accelerated course of systemic atherosclerosis.

Cardiac surgery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass: the challenges

Minimally invasive bypass grafting of the internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery has become routine in many institutions. Currently, indications for single vessel revascularization are expanding to those patients not suitable to be operated upon using extracorporeal circulation, but surgeons remain rather reluctant when multivessel disease is concerned. In such cases, the 'hybrid technique', i.e. single vessel bypass grafting followed by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty at a different site, seems to be a more appropriate alternative. Despite the merits of minimally invasive surgery, the majority of surgeons do not believe that it is possible to achieve the same quality of anastomosis on a beating heart as on an arrested heart.

What Is ‘Minimally Invasive’ Coronary Bypass Surgery?: Experience With a Variety of Surgical Revascularization Procedures for Single-Vessel Disease

Although the use of small incisions is theoretically appealing, it has been argued that the true advantage of minimally invasive approaches to myocardial revascularization lies in the avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass. Of 25 patients referred for surgical revascularization of single-vessel coronary disease, 20 elected to undergo a minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG) procedure, while 5 opted to have conventional surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients having MICABG underwent single-vessel revascularization without CPB, via limited anterior thoracotomy, hemisternotomy, or median sternotomy. Intraoperatively, hemodynamics, anastomotic time, and total operative time were recorded. Postoperatively, length of hospital stay, incidence of myocardial infarction, indexes of end-organ function, and morbidity rates were recorded. In addition, patient questionnaires were used to assess subjective end points such as postoperative pain, wound drainage, and quality of life. Fifteen of 20 patients undergoing MICABG underwent revascularization without CPB, while 4 were converted to standard coronary artery bypass grafting with CPB due to technical reasons and 1 for intraoperative ventricular fibrillation. Patients undergoing MICABG had no perioperative myocardial infarctions, while those having CPB had two infarctions (20%). Furthermore, there were no differences in length of stay or postoperative morbidity among the various approaches, while the MICABG procedures, especially via median sternotomy, were associated with shorter operative times. The advantage of MICABG lies mainly in the avoidance of CPB. Thus, we advocate that surgeons initially utilize the median sternotomy and limited skin incision for MICABG to assure adequate exposure, technical precision, and patient safety. After a reasonable level of technical proficiency and experience are attained, the limited anterior thoracotomy approach can be used.

Comparative costs of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting in multivessel coronary artery disease

The cost of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has been shown in a number of studies 1–3 to be significantly below that of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It has been suggested that the cost of PTCA may be greater if there is a need to have a subsequent revascularization procedure for restenosis 2 or if there is a low primary success rate necessitating urgent or early elective CABG. 1,2 These earlier studies have concentrated on the traditional candidates for PTCA: patients requiring single-vessel revascularization. The relative cost of multivessel PTCA has not been examined and it is possible that the higher acute complication and restenosis rates noted in this subgroup of patients 4,5 may diminish the cost advantage of PTCA. This study examines the total 1-year revascularization costs in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing multivessel PTCA or CABG.