Robotic Assisted Multivessel Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass With Port-Access Stabilization and Cardiac Positioning: Paving the Way for Outpatient Coronary Surgery?

Consensus statement-graft treatment in cardiovascular bypass graft surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is and continues to be the preferred revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel disease. Graft selection has been shown to influence the outcomes following CABG. During the last almost 60 years saphenous vein grafts (SVG) together with the internal mammary artery have become the standard of care for patients undergoing CABG surgery. While there is little doubt about the benefits, the patency rates are constantly under debate. Despite its acknowledged limitations in terms of long-term patency due to intimal hyperplasia, the saphenous vein is still the most often used graft. Although reendothelialization occurs early postoperatively, the process of intimal hyperplasia remains irreversible. This is due in part to the persistence of high shear forces, the chronic localized inflammatory response, and the partial dysfunctionality of the regenerated endothelium. "No-Touch" harvesting techniques, specific storage solutions, pressure controlled graft flushing and external stenting are important and established methods aiming to overcome the process of intimal hyperplasia at different time levels. Still despite the known evidence these methods are not standard everywhere. The use of arterial grafts is another strategy to address the inferior SVG patency rates and to perform CABG with total arterial revascularization. Composite grafting, pharmacological agents as well as latest minimal invasive techniques aim in the same direction. To give guide and set standards all graft related topics for CABG are presented in this expert opinion document on graft treatment.

Long-term results of robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting with composite arterial grafts for multiple coronary anastomoses: 10-year experience

Currently, robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RACABG) is a feasible choice for myocardial revascularization. Acceptable outcomes have been reported for RACABG with single target vessels; however, the long-term benefits of multivessel RACABG with composite arterial grafts have rarely been studied. Therefore, our study investigated the long-term results of multivessel RACABG with composite arterial grafts by reviewing the clinical data of patients from Taichung Veterans General Hospital. From December 2005 to June 2015, 562 patients underwent robotic-assisted robotic minimally invasive direct coronary bypass (MIDCAB) at Taichung Veterans General Hospital. Two major composite arterial graft configurations (i.e., inverted T-graft and Y-graft) were used. Data regarding the short-term and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted MIDCAB were obtained from the medical records. For data regarding long-term outcomes of the patients not followed up at our institution, telephone interviews were conducted in June 2019. The in-hospital mortality rate and complication rate were 2.5% and 17.6%, respectively. We completed the follow-up for 486 patients (86.4%), and postoperative coronary imaging-based evaluation performed for 157 patients. The 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 82.7% and 65.2%, respectively. The 5-year and 10-year major adverse cardiac and cerebral events-free survival rates were 86.9% and 70.9%, respectively. The 5-year patency rate of various coronary anastomoses was 85.1-100%. Our study revealed that multivessel robotic-assisted MIDCAB with composite arterial grafts provided acceptable long-term outcomes, irrespective of the composite graft configuration.

Early home discharge after robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVES

Robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been developed as a less invasive alternative for conventional CABG to enhance postoperative recovery, patient satisfaction and early discharge to home. Furthermore, it may provide a basis for hybrid coronary revascularization. To determine the feasibility of this procedure, we compared robot-assisted with conventional off-pump CABG.

METHODS

All consecutive patients undergoing a robot-assisted left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending coronary artery procedure were compared to consecutive patients undergoing conventional off-pump CABG for single-vessel disease from October 2016 to July 2019. The primary outcome was discharge to home within 5 days after the operation. Secondary outcomes were total hospital stay, reoperations within 48 h, transfusions, atrial fibrillation, 30-day mortality and quality of life 1 month postoperatively. A propensity matched cohort was assembled to correct for possible confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients who had robot-assisted CABG were compared to 194 patients who had conventional off-pump CABG. The primary outcome was reached in 51% of the robot-assisted group versus 19% of the conventional off-pump group (P < 0.01). The median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days for the robot-assisted group versus 7 days in the conventional off-pump group (P < 0.01). Other secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups, and the quality of life 1 month after the operation was equal. The results after propensity matching were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Early discharge to home is more frequent for patients who have robot-assisted CABG than in those who have conventional off-pump CABG, with no difference in health-related quality of life. Therefore, this approach may reduce healthcare resources and provide a solid basis for hybrid coronary revascularization.

Minimally invasive and robotic coronary artery bypass grafting-a 25-year review

During the mid-1990s cardiac surgery started exploring minimally invasive methods for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and has over a 25-year period developed highly differentiated and less traumatic operations. Instead of the traditional sternotomy mini-incisions on the chest or ports are placed, surgery on the beating heart is applied, sophisticated remote access heart lung machine systems as well as videoscopic units are available, and robotic technology enables completely endoscopic approaches. This review describes these methods, reports on the cumulative intra- and postoperative outcome of these procedures, and gives an integrated view on what less invasive coronary bypass surgery can achieve. A total of 74 patient series published on the topic between 1996 and 2019 were reviewed. Six main versions of minimal access and robotically assisted CABG were applied in 11,135 patients. On average 1.3±0.6 grafts were placed and the operative time was 3 hours 42 min ± 1 hour 15 min. The procedures were carried out with a hospital mortality of 1.0% and a stroke rate of 0.6%. The revision rate for bleeding was 2.5% and a renal failure rate of 0.9% was noted. Wound infections occurred at a rate of 1.2% and postoperative hospital stay was 5.6±2.2 days. It can be concluded that less invasive and robotically assisted versions of coronary bypass grafting are carried out with an adequate safety level while surgical trauma is significantly reduced.

Minimally invasive coronary surgery

Minimally invasive options for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery progressed dramatically in the last decades. Minimally invasive CABG surgery is presented trough these forms: minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass (EndoACAB), robot-assisted direct coronary artery bypass (RADCAB), total endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB), and hybrid coronary revascularisation (HCR). Unfortunately, these are still limited only to the specialised centres across the world and have not been accepted by the majority of cardiac surgeons. A surgeon who is starting to practice minimally invasive CABG surgery needs to be ready for long duration of the interventions, higher rate of conversions to sternotomy and significant learning curve. Excellent results that have been published on the subject of minimally invasive revascularisation methods support the potential of these alternative approaches to evolve in the near future.

Multivessel Arterial Revascularization via Left Anterior Thoracotomy

To present the technique and to evaluate the outcomes of the multivessel minimally invasive coronary revascularization through the left anterior thoracotomy. From July 2017 to March 2019 in 229 consecutive patients with isolated multivessel coronary artery disease we performed complete coronary revascularization through the left anterior minithoracotomy (6-8 cm skin incision). In 47 of them we performed multiarterial revascularization using left internal mammary artery and T-shunt with left radial artery or right internal mammary artery. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), Chitwood clamp and blood cardioplegia were used in all patients. Heart strings, encircling tapes and Chitwood clamp were used to reduce the distance from skin to coronary targets. Usual coronary instruments were used. The perioperative outcomes of multiarterial graft strategy group were compared with uniarterial graft strategy group. There were no mortality, no perioperative myocardial infarcts, and no conversion to sternotomy with either graft strategy groups. The mean number of distal anastomoses, CPB time, and total hospital stay were not different between the groups. Aortic cross-clamp time ((83.8 ± 17.4 (45;121) vs 67.8 ± 17.4 (35;146), P < 0.0001) and total operation time (283.5 ± 45 (205;495) vs 254.3 ± 48.6 (175;590), P = 0.0003) were longer in patients with multiarterial revascularization compared to uniarterial revascularization using left internal mammary artery and veins. Multivessel coronary bypass grafting using CPB and cardioplegia can be routinely performed minimally invasively through the left anterior thoracotomy. In selected patients multiarterial revascularization could be done with excellent procedural outcomes.

Complete Coronary Revascularization via Left Anterior Thoracotomy

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to develop the minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) technique, which is equally effective and safe compared with conventional coronary grafting technique, is reproducible, and can be applied in the vast majority of patients with isolated coronary artery disease.

METHODS

From July 2017 to November 2018 a total of 170 nonselected consecutive patients underwent minimally invasive on-pump multivessel CABG through the left anterior minithoracotomy in the fourth intercostal space using a Chitwood clamp and blood cardioplegia. We named this technique total coronary revascularization via left anterior thoracotomy. The mean number of grafts was 3.1 ± 0.7. Left internal mammary artery was used in 159 (93.5%) patients, right internal mammary artery in 4 (2.4%) patients, radial artery in 25 (14.7%) patients, and veins in 148 (87%) patients.

RESULTS

We had no mortality, no postoperative myocardial infarcts, and no conversion to sternotomy. There were 2 postoperative strokes without residual neurological deficit and 2 revisions for postoperative bleeding. The total operation time was 258.8 ± 43.9 minutes, cardiopulmonary bypass time 135.8 ± 26.6 minutes, and aortic cross-clamp time 71.2 ± 19.4 minutes. The mean intensive care stay was 2.1 ± 0.56 days and mean total hospital stay 6.3 ± 1.3 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete coronary revascularization could be routinely performed using the above-mentioned technique. No patient selection, based on number of grafts, quality and location of coronary vessels, left ventricle function, age, gender, or body mass index, is required.

Hybrid myocardial revascularization

Background

In patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with improved long-term outcomes while percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with lower periprocedural complications. A new approach has emerged in the last decade that attempts to reap the benefits of bypass surgery and stenting while minimizing the shortcomings of each approach, hybrid myocardial revascularization (HMR).Three strategies for timing of the hybrid revascularization exists, each with their own inherent advantages and shortcomings: (1) CABG followed by PCI, (2) PCI followed by CABG, or (3) simultaneous CABG + PCI in a hybrid suite.

Studies

The results of the first randomized control trial comparing HMR (CABG first) and standard CABG, POL-MIDES (Prospective Randomized PilOt Study EvaLuating the Safety and Efficacy of Hybrid Revascularization in MultIvessel Coronary Artery DisEaSe), show HMR was feasible for 93.9% of patients whereas conversion to standard CABG was required for 6.1%. At 1 year, both groups had similar all-cause mortality (CABG 2.9% vs. HMR 2%) and major adverse clinical event (MACE)-free survival rates (CABG 92.2% vs. HMR 89.8%). Results of observational and comparative studies show that minimally invasive HMR procedures in patients with multivessel CAD carry minimal perioperative mortality risk and low morbidity and do not increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. The advantage they offer in comparison to classical surgical revascularization is indeed faster rehabilitation and patient's return to normal life.

Conclusion

Hybrid myocardial revascularization has been developed as a promising technique for the treatment of high-risk patients with CAD. Hybrid revascularization using minimally invasive surgical techniques combined with PCI offers to a part of patients an advantage of optimal revascularization of the most important artery of the heart, together with adequate myocardial revascularization in a relatively delicate way. Indeed, to patients with high operative risk of standard surgery, it offers an alternative which should be considered carefully.

Is There a Role for Diagonal Coronary Artery Stenting in Patients Undergoing Robotic Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?

Background

The efficacy of diagonal coronary artery stenting in patients undergoing robotic left internal thoracic artery-to-left anterior descending (LITA-to-LAD) anastomosis is not well defined. The objective of this study was to assess graft and stent patency in a single-stage hybrid revascularization with LITA-to-LAD anastomosis and PCI to a diagonal coronary artery.

Methods

From 2004 to 2014, a total of 25 patients consented to robotic-assisted LITA harvesting and a small left anterior thoracotomy for off-pump coronary artery bypass anastomosis onto the LAD along with concomitant PCI to the diagonal coronary artery. PCI to the diagonal coronary artery was performed in the same fluoroscopy-equipped hybrid operating room.

Results

Patients were on average 66 ± 11 years with 32% female. Pre-operative characteristics of these patients included 8% with a grade 3 or 4 left ventricle, 16% with a recent MI, and 92% with CCS III/IV symptoms. There were no death, one patient required an intra-aortic balloon pump, and one patient required re-operation for bleeding. The average ICU stay was 1.1 ± 0.53 days, and the average hospital stay was 4.6 ± 2.4 days. Fitzgibbon Grade A LITA-to-LAD patency at 6-month follow-up was 100%. As well, at 6-month follow-up the DES to the diagonal coronary artery had a patency rate of 96%.

Conclusions

Single-stage hybrid revascularization strategy for bifurcating lesions of the LAD and diagonal coronary arteries with LITA-to-LAD anastomosis and PCI to a diagonal coronary artery appears to have acceptable clinical results with excellent 6-month angiographic patency results.

A Novel Approach Using Computed Tomography Angiograms to Predict Sternotomy or Complicated Anastomosis in Patients Undergoing Robotically Assisted Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass

OBJECTIVE

Robotically assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass is an alternative to sternotomy-based surgery in properly selected patients. Identifying the left anterior descending artery when it is deep in the epicardial fat can be particularly challenging through a 5- to 6-cm mini-thoracotomy incision. The objective of this study was to evaluate a technique for predicting conversion to sternotomy or complicated left anterior descending artery anastomosis using preoperative cardiac-gated computed tomography angiograms.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 75 patients who underwent robotically assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass for whom a preoperative computed tomography angiogram was available. The distance from the left anterior descending artery to the myocardium was measured on a standardized "5-chamber" axial computed tomography view. The relative risk of sternotomy or complicated anastomosis was compared between patients whose left anterior descending artery was resting directly on the myocardium (left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance = 0 mm) with those whose left anterior descending artery was resting above (left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance > 0 mm).

RESULTS

The average left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance was 3.2 ± 2.6 mm (range = 0-11.5 mm). Fourteen patients (18.7%) had an left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance of 0 mm. Of the entire group of 75 patients, 6 (8.0%) required conversion to sternotomy. Four others (5.3%) were reported to have a complication with the anastomosis intraoperatively. For patients with left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance of 0 mm, the relative risk of sternotomy or complicated anastomosis was 18.0 (95% confidence interval = 4.3-75.6, P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, patients with left anterior descending artery to the myocardium distance of 0 mm were at significantly higher risk of either conversion to sternotomy or technically challenging anastomosis, with 8 (57.1%) of 14 patients in this group experiencing either end point. This novel measurement may be useful to identify patients who may have anatomy, which is not well suited to the robotically assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass approach.

A systematic review on robotic coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has been performed over the past decade. Despite encouraging results from selected centres, there is a paucity of robust clinical data to establish its clinical safety and efficacy. The present systematic review aimed to identify all relevant clinical data on robotic CABG. The primary endpoint was perioperative mortality, and secondary endpoints included perioperative morbidities, anastomotic complications, and long-term survival.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed using three online databases from their dates of inception to 2016. Relevant studies fulfilling the predefined search criteria were categorized according to surgical techniques as (I) totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass without cardiopulmonary bypass (TECAB off-pump); (II) TECAB on-pump; and robotic-assisted mammary artery harvesting followed by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (robotic MIDCAB).

RESULTS

The present systematic review identified 44 studies that fulfilled the study selection criteria, including nine studies in the TECAB off-pump group and 16 studies in the robotic MIDCAB group. Statistical analysis reported a pooled mortality of 1.7% for the TECAB off-pump group and 1.0% for the robotic MIDCAB group. Intraoperative details such as the number and location of grafts performed, operative times and conversion rates, as well as postoperative secondary endpoints such as morbidities, anastomotic complications and long-term outcomes were also summarized for both techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of technical, logistic and cost-related issues continue to hinder the popularization of the robotic CABG procedure. Current clinical evidence is limited by a lack of randomized controlled trials, heterogeneous definition of techniques and complications, as well as a lack of robust clinical follow-up with routine angiography. Nonetheless, the present systematic review reported acceptable perioperative mortality rates for selected patients at specialized centres. These results should be considered as a useful benchmark for future studies, until further data is reported in the form of randomized trials.

Early and mid-term results of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG) is a less invasive method of performing surgical revascularization. This technique coupled with use of off pump technique of surgical revascularization makes it truly less invasive. This method is highly effective even in high-risk patients. Results of this procedure are comparable to standard off pump technique and are better than percutaneous coronary intervention utilizing drug-eluting stent. We present an early and mid-term result of the use of this technique.

METHOD

We enrolled 33 patients for analysis operated between 2008 and 2012. Operation was performed utilizing off-pump technique of coronary artery bypass grafting through a minimal invasive incision. Left internal mammary artery graft was done for single vessel disease and radial artery was utilized for other grafts if required. Median follow up of 2.5 years (6 months-4 years) is available.

RESULTS

Median age was 58.5 years (41-77) and all were male. Single vessel disease was present in 7, double vessel in 14 and triple vessel disease in 12 patients. All the patients had normal left ventricular size and function. There was no operative and 30-day mortality. Conversion to median sternotomy to complete the operation was done in 6.6% (2 out of 33 patients). One patient had acute myocardial infarction and there were no deaths during follow up.

CONCLUSION

MICABG is a safe and effective method of revascularization in low risk candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Using Internal Thoracic Arteries via a Left Minithoracotomy

Objective

Harvesting of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) under direct vision, through a left minithoracotomy, without robotic or thoracoscopic assistance has never been done or described before. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have shown greater survival and freedom from reintervention. The aim was to develop a multivessel minimally invasive CABG technique in which the BITAs are harvested under direct vision and complete revascularization of the myocardium is done by the off-pump method, using only BITAs (left internal thoracic artery [LITA]–RITAY) through a 2-in left minithoracotomy, without robotic/thoracoscopic assistance—the “Nambiar Technique.”

Methods

From August 2011 to December 2012, a total of 150 patients underwent off-pump minimally invasive multivessel CABG using BITAs, through a 2-in left minithoracotomy incision. Both internal thoracic arteries were harvested directly under vision, and complete revascularization of the myocardium was done using the LITA-RITAY composite conduit, followed by flow study of the grafts. Coronary artery stabilization for anastomoses was done by using epicardial stabilizers introduced through the minithoracotomy.

Results

One hundred fifty patients had minimally invasive total arterial myocardial revascularization using BITAs (LITA-RITA Y composite conduit) via a left minithoracotomy. The mean number of grafts was 2.8. A total of 81.6% of the patients had three grafts. Ejection fraction was 34.5 ± 5.2. There was one mortality but no major morbidity. The RITA and LITA harvest times were 39.5 ± 11.2 and 35.2 ± 8.6 minutes, respectively. The total time in the operating room (including extubation) was 331.5 ± 42.5 minutes, and operating time was 240.8 ± 24.6 minutes. One hundred twenty-six patients (87.7%) were extubated on the table. The mean hospital stay was 3.1 days. One patient (0.6%) had an elective conversion to sternotomy because the flow in the LITA-RITA Y composite conduit was inadequate and had saphenous vein grafts. Coronary angiograms were done in 37 patients (25%); and computed tomographic angiograms, in 33 patients (22%), and the grafts were patent. Stress test was done in 80 patients (53%), which had normal findings.

Conclusions

The Nambiar Technique encompassed using a 2-in left minithoracotomy incision through which the BITAs were conveniently harvested in a skeletonized manner under direct vision without robotic or thoracoscopic assistance. Multivessel total arterial revascularization was then done using the LITA-RITA Y composite conduit by the off-pump methodology. The early outcomes have been excellent, and coronary angiograms showed widely patent grafts. This technique is reproducible and can be done on an empty beating heart to aid in training.

Total Endoscopic Beating-Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using A New 3D Imaging System

OBJECTIVE

: Since 1999, the authors of this study have performed total endoscopic beating-heart coronary artery bypass. They have developed a new three-dimensional (3D) endoscopic imaging system and have used it successfully in three patients.

METHODS

: From January 2004, a new 3D endoscopic imaging system was used. This device, composed of an optical high-resolution, 3D endoscope and two liquid crystal monitors, gives bright, natural, 3D imaging and enables quick, precise manipulation. After the 15-mm port for the 3D endoscope was inserted through fourth intercostal space (ICS) in the posterior axillary line, the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was taken down endoscopically in semiskeletonized fashion, using two instrumental 5-mm ports (third and sixth anterior axillary ICS). The pericardium was then opened, and the left anterior descending artery was identified. Another 10-mm port for an endoscopic needle holder was inserted through fourth ICS in the midclavicular line. Three ports were placed in the fourth ICS in line for the anastomosis. An original suction stabilizer was inserted through the first instrumental port, and the left anterior descending artery was immobilized. A conventional end-to-side anastomosis was done with 8-0 Prolene running sutures.

RESULTS

: The average LITA harvesting time was significantly shortened from 68 minutes with two-dimensional imaging to 36 minutes with new 3D imaging. The average anastomotic time was shortened from 34 minutes with two-dimensional imaging and 27 minutes with former 3D imaging to 17 minutes with new 3D imaging. There were no complications and no operative deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

: This new 3D endoscopic imaging system facilitates quick, precise anastomosis and is a useful device for endoscopic coronary bypass surgery.

Predicting target vessel location on robot-assisted coronary artery bypass graft using CT to ultrasound registration

PURPOSE

Although robot-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (RA-CABG) has gained more acceptance worldwide, its success still depends on the surgeon's experience and expertise, and the conversion rate to full sternotomy is in the order of 15%-25%. One of the reasons for conversion is poor pre-operative planning, which is based solely on pre-operative computed tomography (CT) images. In this paper, the authors propose a technique to estimate the global peri-operative displacement of the heart and to predict the intra-operative target vessel location, validated via both an in vitro and a clinical study.

METHODS

As the peri-operative heart migration during RA-CABG has never been reported in the literatures, a simple in vitro validation study was conducted using a heart phantom. To mimic the clinical workflow, a pre-operative CT as well as peri-operative ultrasound images at three different stages in the procedure (Stage(0)-following intubation; Stage(1)-following lung deflation; and Stage(2)-following thoracic insufflation) were acquired during the experiment. Following image acquisition, a rigid-body registration using iterative closest point algorithm with the robust estimator was employed to map the pre-operative stage to each of the peri-operative ones, to estimate the heart migration and predict the peri-operative target vessel location. Moreover, a clinical validation of this technique was conducted using offline patient data, where a Monte Carlo simulation was used to overcome the limitations arising due to the invisibility of the target vessel in the peri-operative ultrasound images.

RESULTS

For the in vitro study, the computed target registration error (TRE) at Stage(0), Stage(1), and Stage(2) was 2.1, 3.3, and 2.6 mm, respectively. According to the offline clinical validation study, the maximum TRE at the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was 4.1 mm at Stage(0), 5.1 mm at Stage(1), and 3.4 mm at Stage(2).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors proposed a method to measure and validate peri-operative shifts of the heart during RA-CABG. In vitro and clinical validation studies were conducted and yielded a TRE in the order of 5 mm for all cases. As the desired clinical accuracy imposed by this procedure is on the order of one intercostal space (10-15 mm), our technique suits the clinical requirements. The authors therefore believe this technique has the potential to improve the pre-operative planning by updating peri-operative migration patterns of the heart and, consequently, will lead to reduced conversion to conventional open thoracic procedures.

Five hundred cases of robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting: predictors of success and safety

BACKGROUND

Robotic technology has enabled totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) grafting. Little information is available on factors associated with successful and safe performance of TECAB. We report a 10-year multicenter experience with 500 cases, elucidating on predictors of success and safety in TECAB procedures.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2011, 500 patients (364 [73%] men; 136 [27%] women; median age [minimum-maximum] 60 years [31-90 years], median EuroSCORE 2 [0-13]), underwent TECAB. Single, double, triple, and quadruple TECAB was performed in 334, 150, 15, and 1 patient, respectively. Univariate analysis and binary regression models were used to identify predictors of success and safety. Success was defined as freedom from any adverse event and conversion procedure, safety was defined as freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events, major vascular injury, and long-term ventilation.

RESULTS

Success and safety rates were 80% (400 cases) and 95% (474 cases), respectively. Intraoperative conversions to larger thoracic incisions were required in 49 (10%) patients. The median operative time was 305 minutes (112-1,050 minutes), and the mean lengths of stay in the intensive unit (ICU) and in hospital were 23 hours (11-1,048 hours) and 6 days (2-4 days), respectively. Independent predictors of success were single-vessel TECAB (p = 0.004), arrested-heart (AH)-TECAB (p = 0.027), non-learning curve case (p = 0.049), and transthoracic assistance (p = 0.035). The only independent predictor of safety was EuroSCORE (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Single-vessel and multivessel TECAB procedures can be safely performed with good reproducible results. Predictors of success include procedure simplicity and non-learning curve cases, whereas predictors of safety are mainly associated with patient selection.

Predictors, causes, and consequences of conversions in robotically enhanced totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft surgery (TECAB), using the da Vinci telemanipulator, has become a reproducible operation at dedicated centers. As in every endoscopic operation, conversion is an important and probably inevitable issue.

METHODS

We performed robotic TECAB in 326 patients (age, 60 years; range, 31 to 90 years); 242 were single-vessel and 84 were multivessel TECAB.

RESULTS

Forty-six of 326 patients (14%) were converted to a larger incision (minithoracotomy, n = 5; sternotomy, n = 41). Left internal mammary artery injury (n = 7), epicardial injury (n = 4), balloon endoocclusion problems (n = 7), and anastomotic problems (n = 18) were common reasons for conversions. Conversion rate was significantly less for single-vessel versus multivessel TECABs (10% versus 25%; p = 0.001). Non-learning-curve case (7% versus 21%; p < 0.001) and transthoracic assistance (11% versus 22%; p = 0.018) were associated with lower conversion rates. In multivariate analysis, learning-curve case was the only independent predictor of conversion (p = 0.005). Conversion translated into increased packed red blood cell transfusion in the operating room (3 versus 0 units; p < 0.001), longer ventilation time (14 versus 8 hours; p < 0.001), and intensive care unit stay (45 versus 20 hours; p = 0.001). Hospital mortality was 0.6% in this series, with 1 patient in the conversion group (2.2%) and 1 patient in the nonconverted group (0.4%; not significant). Five-year survival was 98% in nonconverted patients and 88% in converted patients (p = 0.018). There was no difference in freedom from angina or freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion in TECAB is primarily learning curve-dependent and associated with increased morbidity, but does not significantly affect hospital mortality. Both nonconverted and converted patients show good long-term survival, which is comparable to patients undergoing open sternotomy coronary artery bypass grafting. Long-term freedom from angina or freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events is not influenced by conversion.

Robotic coronary artery bypass grafting

Robotically assisted surgery enables coronary surgery to be performed totally or partially endoscopically. Using the Da Vinci robotic technology allows minimally invasive treatments. We report on our experience with coronary artery surgery in our department: patients requiring single or double vessel surgical revascularization were eligible. The procedure was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass on a beating heart. From April 2004 to May 2008, 55 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study, and were operated on by a single surgical team. Operative outcomes included operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusions, ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. Average operative time was 270 ± 101 min with an estimated blood loss of 509 ± 328 ml, a postoperative ventilation time of 6 ± 12 h, ICU stay of 52 ± 23 h, and a hospital stay of 7 ± 3 days. Nine patients (16%) were converted to open techniques, and transfusion was required in four patients (7%). Follow-up was complete for all patients up to 1 year. There was one hospital death (1.7%) and two deaths at follow-up. Coronary anastomosis was controlled in 48 patients by either angiogram or computed tomography scan, revealing occlusion or anastomotic stenoses (>50%) in six patients. Overall permeability was 92%. Major adverse events occurred in 12 patients (21%). One-year survival was 96%. Our initial experience with robotically assisted coronary surgery is promising: it avoids sternotomy and with a methodical approach we were able to implement the procedure safely and effectively in our practice, combining minimal mortality with excellent survival.

Robotically-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting

Objectives. Robotic surgery enables to perform coronary surgery totally endoscopically. This report describes our experience using the da Vinci system for coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods. Patients requiring single-or-double vessel revascularization were eligible. The procedure was performed without cardiopulmonary bypass on a beating heart. Results. From April 2004 to May 2008, fifty-six patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-four patients underwent robotic harvesting of the mammary conduit followed by minimal invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), and twenty-three patients had a totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) grafting. Nine patients (16%) were converted to open techniques. The mean total operating time for TECAB was 372 ± 104 minutes and for MIDCAB was 220 ± 69 minutes. Followup was complete for all patients up to one year. There was one hospital death following MIDCAB and two deaths at follow up. Forty-eight patients had an angiogram or CT scan revealing occlusion or anastomotic stenoses (>50%) in 6 patients. Overall permeability was 92%. Conclusions. Robotic surgery can be performed with promising results.

Establishing the case for minimally invasive, robotic-assisted CABG in the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease

The purpose of this review is to outline the most common objections about robotic coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), often expressed by cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and administrators who have little direct knowledge of the procedure. The summarized objections include the high intraoperative costs of robotic versus traditional CABG, a prolonged and difficult learning curve for members of the surgical team, and concerns about compromising graft patency with this technique. Arguments for continued procedure development in robotically assisted CABG are provided.

Opportunities for the cost reduction of medical care

The explosion of medical knowledge has deluged the medical community with a plethora of new medicines, new tests, and new procedures. This creates a serious need to carefully evaluate the definable benefits from these new developments, which promise to increase the quality of medical care beyond older, established, and usually less-costly methods. In addition, more recent information has clearly identified genetic variation in an individual's response to medications. As such, conventional wisdom may now prove to be wrong or subject to question. Examples of this, which we present, include situations where medication may more safely provide benefits to asymptomatic, stable patients than surgical interventions with high potential for complications that counteract predicted benefits. We argue that preventive medicine offers an unusual and comprehensive promise of disease prevention and treatment. The issues we cite may be effective in the future cost reduction of medical care.

A novel internal thoracic artery harvesting technique via subxiphoid approach--for the least invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

We have performed 12 cases of robotically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to accomplish less invasive revascularization. In this report, we describe a new method of robotically assisted internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting via subxiphoid approach, using the da Vinci surgical system. A 22-year-old man with three-vessel coronary artery disease due to Kawasaki disease was referred to our institution for coronary artery revascularization. A small subxiphoid incision was made, and the xiphoid process at the lower end of the sternum was excised. A U-shaped hook was inserted into the retrosternal space, and the lower sternum was lifted. A 30 degrees angle-up camera was inserted under the U-shaped hook, bilateral ITAs were harvested in a totally skeletonized fashion endoscopically. The required time for right ITA harvesting was 50 min, and that for the left was 20 min. After bilateral ITAs were harvested, composite grafts were made, and then the distal anastomoses were made. The patient was discharged six days after the operation. We performed a new robotically assisted bilateral ITA harvesting technique via sub-xiphoid safely and with excellent results. This method might be an evolutionary step of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) using the da Vinci surgical system.

Robotics in Cardiac Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized the surgical field over the last two decades. Robotic assisted surgery is the latest iteration towards less invasive techniques. Cardiac surgeons have slowly adapted minimally invasive and robotics techniques into their armamentarium. In particular, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery has evolved over the last decade and become the preferred method of mitral valve repair and replacement at certain specialized centres worldwide because of excellent results. We have developed a robotic mitral valve surgery program which utilizes the da Vinci® telemanipulation system allowing the surgeon to perform complex mitral valve repairs through 5mm port sites rather than a traditional median sternotomy. in this rapidly evolving field, we review the evolution and clinical results of robotically-assisted mitral valve surgery and take a look at the other cardiac surgical procedures for which da Vinci® is currently being used.

Comparison of economic and patient outcomes with minimally invasive versus traditional off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting techniques

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (miniCABG) decreases in-hospital morbidity versus traditional sternotomy CABG. We performed a prospective cohort study (NCT00481806) to assess the impact of miniCABG on costs and metrics that influence quality of life after hospital discharge.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive miniCABG cases performed using internal mammary artery (IMA) grafting +/- coronary stenting were compared with a matched group of 100 sternotomy CABG patients using IMA and saphenous veins, both treating equivalent number of target coronaries (2.7 vs. 2.9), off-pump. We compared perioperative costs, time to return to work/normal activity, and risk of major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 1 year: myocardial infarction (elevated troponin or EKG changes), target vessel occlusion (CT angiography at 1 year), stroke, or death.

RESULTS

For miniCABG, robotic instruments and stents increased intraoperative costs; postoperative costs were decreased from significantly less intubation time (4.80 +/- 6.35 vs. 12.24 +/- 6.24 hours), hospital stay (3.77 +/- 1.51 vs. 6.38 +/- 2.23 days), and transfusion (0.16 +/- 0.37 vs. 1.37 +/- 1.35 U) leading to no significant differences in total costs. Undergoing miniCABG independently predicted earlier return to work after adjusting for confounders (t = -2.15; P = 0.04), whereas sternotomy CABG increased MACCE (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4-7.6), largely from lower target-vessel patency.

CONCLUSIONS

MiniCABG shortens patient recovery time, minimizes MACCE risk at 1 year, and showed superior quality and outcome metrics versus standard-of-care CABG. These findings occurred without increasing costs and with superior target vessel graft patency.

Robotically assisted multivessel minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting with the use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries

This case report presents the robotically assisted multivessel minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) technique using the bilateral internal thoracic arteries. A 54-year-old man with multivessel coronary artery disease was considered eligible for a robotically assisted myocardial revascularization. The bilateral internal thoracic arteries were harvested completely in a totally skeletonized fashion through three 1-2-cm-long incisions on the left thoracic wall. A small left anterior thoracotomy was then performed. The left internal thoracic artery was anastomosed to the left anterior descending coronary artery, and the composite radial artery graft from the right internal thoracic artery was sequentially anastomosed to the first diagonal branch, the obtuse marginal branch, and the distal right coronary artery on the beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass. The harvesting time of the grafts was 66 min, and the total operative time was 5 h 58 min. Postoperative angiography revealed that all grafts were widely patent. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 10 days after the operation. Robotically assisted MIDCAB using the bilateral thoracic arteries is a safe and effective means of myocardial revascularization for patients with multivesssel disease.

Outcomes in robotic cardiac surgery

The specialty of cardiac surgery has evolved substantially over the last 50 years, and surgical procedures that seemed impossible then are now commonly encountered in hospitals throughout the world. The latest development in this ever-evolving field is minimally invasive and robot-assisted procedures. In this article we will review the surgical outcomes reported for different series of procedures in cardiac surgery.

Robotic-Assisted Coronary Artery Bypass on a Beating Heart: Initial Experience and Implications for the Future

BACKGROUND

Although totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass using facilitated anastomotic devices is still in development, practical less invasive surgical strategies using sophisticated robotic microsurgical systems have been applied to facilitate the journey to a completely endoscopic procedure. This report summarizes the initial clinical experience with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using the Intuitive da Vinci Surgical Robotic System.

METHODS

Robotically-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting through a small thoracotomy on a beating heart without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass was performed on 70 patients from February 16, 2004 through September 20, 2005. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of stay were recorded.

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 0%. The average operative time per case for the entire series was 4 hours, 3 minutes. The average operative time per case for the first 10 cases was 5 hours, 56 minutes, which decreased to 3 hours, 52 minutes for the last 10 cases of the series. The incidents of postoperative complications were as follows: reoperations for bleeding (2 patients; 2.8%); transfusions (7 patients; 10%); atrial fibrillations (6 patients; 8.5%); infections (2 patients; 2.8%); neurologic (0%); renal failure (0%); and ventilation greater than 1 day (0%). The average postoperative length of stay was 5.7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Early results suggest robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe and effective means of myocardial revascularization and its continued clinical use is justified. Operative time has decreased with experience. Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting performed through a small thoracotomy on a beating heart without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass may pave the way to a completely endoscopic, closed chest procedure for coronary artery bypass grafting.