Robotically enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery: a winning strategy?

Abstract

Aim. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MMCAB) through a small anterolateral thoracotomy on the beating heart can be considered as the better approach for treating isolated lesions on the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. This original MIDCAB procedure, however, involves a larger and often painful thoracotomy due to rib spreading. We describe our experience with robotically enhanced harvesting of one or both internal mammary arteries (IMAs), and with anastomosis performed under direct vision on a beating heart through a very small thoracotomy without rib retraction.