Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery: A meta-analysis of the current evidence

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

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

Comparative efficacy of eight therapeutic methods in the treatment of left main coronary artery disease: a Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

As for coronary artery bypass grafting, although there are many direct comparative studies on different minimally invasive methods and traditional thoracotomy (off-pump/on-pump), there is still a lack of further ranking and summary of the efficacy of all surgical methods for left main coronary artery (LMCA) lesions. Combined with the current controversial views, this study aims to introduce a planned network meta-analysis (NMA) in detail, with a view to comparing the long-term efficacy and safety of multiple therapeutic methods in the treatment of patients with LMCA disease, and finally providing some reference bases for the best selection of clinical schemes.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library databases will be collected from inception to June 2022 to compare the efficacy of different surgical methods in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for LMCA disease. Main outcome endpoints: major adverse cardiovascular events, including mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and revascularisation. Secondary outcome endpoints: (1) operation-related time, (2) the amount of blood transfusion, (3) complications including secondary thoracotomy, postoperative new atrial fibrillation, wound infection, (4) physiological score and psychological score, (5) time return to work and (6) total hospitalisation costs. The methodological quality of included RCTs will be assessed according to the Cochrane bias risk table. The Bayesian NMA will be conducted by STATA V.16.0.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The essence of this study is to summarise and analyse the original data without the approval of the ethics committee. Our research does not involve ethical issues, and the results will be published in peer-review journals.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021274712.

A World-First Surgical Instrument for Minimally Invasive Robotically-Enabled Transplantation of Heart Patches for Myocardial Regeneration: A Brief Research Report

Background: Patch-based approaches to regenerating damaged myocardium include epicardial surgical transplantation of heart patches. By the time this therapy is ready for widespread clinical use, it may be important that patches can be delivered via minimally invasive and robotic surgical approaches. This brief research report describes a world-first minimally invasive patch transplantation surgical device design enabled for human operation, master-slave, and fully automated robotic control. Method: Over a 12-month period (2019-20) in our multidisciplinary team we designed a surgical instrument to transplant heart patches to the epicardial surface. The device was designed for use via uni-portal or multi-portal Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery (VATS). For preliminary feasibility and sizing, we used a 3D printer to produce parts of a flexible resin model from a computer-aided design (CAD) software platform in preparation for more robust high-resolution metal manufacturing. Results: The instrument was designed as a sheath containing foldable arms, <2 cm in diameter when infolded to fit minimally invasive thoracic ports. The total length was 35 cm. When the arms were projected from the sheath, three moveable mechanical arms at the distal end were designed to hold a patch. Features included: a rotational head allowing for the arms to be angled in real time, a surface with micro-attachment points for patches and a releasing mechanism to release the patch. Conclusion: This brief research report represents a first step on a potential pathway towards minimally invasive robotic epicardial patch transplantation. For full feasibility testing, future proof-of-concept studies, and efficacy trials will be needed.

Robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass in the current era: report of 544 patients

OBJECTIVES

Robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) is the least invasive form of surgical coronary revascularization. It has proved to be highly effective and safe. Its benefits are well-established and include fewer complications, shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities. TECAB has undergone 2 decades of technological advancement to include multivessel grafting, a beating-heart approach and successful completion in multiple patient groups in experienced hands. The aim of this report was to examine outcomes of robotic off-pump TECAB at our institution over 7 years.

METHODS

Data from 544 patients undergoing TECAB between July 2013 and August 2020 were retrospectively examined. The C-Port Flex-A distal anastomotic device was used for the majority of grafts (70%). Yearly follow-up was conducted. Angiographic early patency data were reviewed for patients undergoing hybrid revascularization.

RESULTS

The mean age was 66 years, with 1.7% mean STS risk. Fifty-six percentage had multivessel TECAB. There was 1 conversion to sternotomy, and 46% extubation in the Operating Room (OR). Mortality was 0.9%. Early graft patency was 97%. At mid-term follow-up at 38 months, cardiac mortality was 2.7% and freedom from major adverse cardiac events was 92.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that robotic beating-heart TECAB in the current era is safe and effective with excellent outcomes and comparable early angiographic patency to standard coronary artery bypass grafting surgery when performed frequently by an experienced team. This procedure was completed in our hands both with and without an anastomotic device. Longer-term studies are warranted.

Review of Contemporary Techniques for Minimally Invasive Coronary Revascularization

Minimally invasive coronary revascularization techniques aim to avoid median sternotomy with its associated complications, while facilitating recovery and maintaining the benefits of surgical revascularization. The 3 most common procedures are minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting, totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass, and hybrid coronary revascularization. For a variety of reasons, including cost and technical difficulty, not many centers are routinely performing minimally invasive coronary revascularization. Nevertheless, many studies have assessed the safety and efficacy of each of these procedures in different clinical contexts. Thus far results have been promising, and with the evolution of procedural techniques, these approaches have the potential to redefine coronary revascularization in the future. This review highlights the current state of minimally invasive coronary revascularization techniques by exploring their benefits, identifying barriers to their adoption, and discussing future potential paradigms.

Advances in revascularization of the left coronary artery

Ischaemic heart disease is the most common cardiovascular disease worldwide, and it contributes to a significant source of morbidity and mortality internationally. It can be asymptomatic for many years and present suddenly with acute coronary syndrome or can be progressive with angina and eventual acute myocardial infarction. Diseases of the left coronary system can be drastic and fatal if not managed correctly. With ongoing increase in the practice of percutaneous intervention; patient demographics for conventional coronary artery bypass grafting surgery have more risk factors than before. Conventional bypass surgery has also evolved to include minimally invasive and hybrid techniques. Although some evidence supports each approach, controversies remain.

Guidelines for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. Consensus document of Spanish Societies of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Cardiovascular Surgery (SECCE) and Perfusionists (AEP)

The ERAS guidelines are intended to identify, disseminate and promote the implementation of the best, scientific evidence-based actions to decrease variability in clinical practice. The implementation of these practices in the global clinical process will promote better outcomes and the shortening of hospital and critical care unit stays, thereby resulting in a reduction in costs and in greater efficiency. After completing a systematic review at each of the points of the perioperative process in cardiac surgery, recommendations have been developed based on the best scientific evidence currently available with the consensus of the scientific societies involved.

A different technique for sutureless coronary bypass grafting

Introduction

Many coronary anastomotic devices have been designed to replace manual stitching in coronary surgery; however, interestingly, none of them became widespread. Our aim was to work out an easy and fast endoluminal vessel-to-vessel stent bridge distal anastomotic technique.

Materials and methods

Ten coronary arteries of eight fresh human hearts were used in this study. The anastomosis was performed with the implantation of a graft vessel into the lumen of the coronary artery by performing stent fixation. The technique is described and photo documented in detail. The durability and the conductibility of the anastomosis were examined with intraluminal endoscopy, functional streaming test, and a coloring of the vessels.

Results

The anastomosis had great results in all cases. Obstruction, dissection, or dislocation of the vessels was not observable.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the ex-vivo feasibility of the described technique. This method can be an easy, fast, and reliable method applied in the endoscopic distal coronary artery anastomosis surgery. The development of stents adapted to this method and the in-vivo testing of this technique are necessary for the future.

Does Intolerance of Single-Lung Ventilation Preclude Robotic Off-Pump Totally Endoscopic Coronary Bypass Surgery?

Objective

Robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) usually requires isolated single (right) lung ventilation to adequately expose the surgical site. However, in some patients, persistent oxygen desaturation may occur and conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or sternotomy may be necessary. We reviewed the characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients who did not tolerate single-lung ventilation during TECAB surgery.

Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval we reviewed 440 patients undergoing robotic TECAB at our institution between July 2013 and April 2019. Patients were separated into 2 groups based on their ability to tolerate single-lung ventilation during the procedure. Group 1 included patients able to tolerate single-lung ventilation and Group 2 were patients who required double-lung ventilation to tolerate the procedure. Early and mid-term outcomes were compared.

Results

Group 2 (121 patients) had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores, higher body mass index, and more triple-vessel disease than Group 1 (319 patients). Group 2 had more bilateral internal mammary artery use, multivessel grafting, and longer operative times. One patient underwent conversion to sternotomy and 5 required CPB (all in Group 1). Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were longer in Group 2. Observed/expected mortality did not differ between groups (1.06% in Group 2 vs 0.4% in Group 1; P = 0.215). At mid-term follow-up, cardiac-related/overall mortality and freedom from major adverse cardiac events were similar.

Conclusions

In our cohort, intolerance of single-lung ventilation did not preclude robotic off-pump TECAB. Double-lung ventilation is feasible during the procedure and may prevent conversions to sternotomy or use of CPB, resulting in excellent early and mid-term outcomes.

Techniques and approaches for revascularisation of left heart coronary diseases

Coronary artery disease and its associated clinical sequelae are a significant medical burden to clinicians and patients. Severe coronary artery disease presenting in the context of acute myocardial ischaemia, or stable plaques causing chronic symptoms despite best conservative and pharmacological intervention, are often amenable to further intervention such as coronary artery bypass grafting. This procedure has been extensively compared to newer and less invasive techniques, such as percutaneous coronary intervention, and other minimally invasive procedures such as robotic or endoscopic techniques. This review summarises the current evidence on revascularisation of the left coronary artery system, with particular emphasis on key clinical endpoints of mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and repeat revascularisation.

Development of a Novel Heart Positioner for Minimally Invasive Coronary Surgery

PURPOSE

We developed a heart positioner, the Tentacles NEO, specifically designed for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG).

DESCRIPTION

The device has 3 flexible suction tubes, with a suction cup at the tip of each tube. The suction tubes can be detached from the device body, allowing them to be manipulated in any direction through a small incision around the small thoracotomy. When the device displaces the heart, the suction cup moves behind the chest wall and does not crowd the operative field.

EVALUATION

Although the sideways suction force of the new device was as strong as that of the original device, Tentacles, the longitudinal and perpendicular force exerted was approximately 80% of the original device. Nevertheless, the new device could safely and favorably displace the heart in a pig model and even during off-pump CABG via sternotomy. During MICS-CABG, the device was able to displace the heart without crowding the operative field.

CONCLUSIONS

The new heart positioner, Tentacles NEO, is a useful and practical heart positioner suitable for MICS-CABG.

Robotics in cardiac surgery

A summary of its uses in mitral valve surgery and coronary artery revascularisation.