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Dimagli A, Gemelli M, Kumar N, Mitra M, Sinha S, Fudulu D, Harik L, Cancelli G, Soletti G, Olaria RP, Bonaros N, Gaudino M, Angelini GD. A systematic review and meta-analysis of internal thoracic artery harvesting techniques: Skeletonized vs pedicled. Int J Cardiol 2024; 395:131577. [PMID: 37956758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare clinical and angiographic outcomes of skeletonized versus pedicled internal thoracic artery for coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS A comprehensive search on Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and Scopus was performed from inception to December 2022. The primary outcome was follow-up mortality and graft failure. Secondary outcomes were repeat revascularization, cardiovascular death and operative mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and sternal wound complications (SWCs). Pooled estimate for follow-up outcomes was summarized as incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) while short-term outcomes were pooled as odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. For all outcomes, inverse variance weighting was used for pooling. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies, including 7 randomized trials and 21 observational studies, for a total of 5664 patients in the skeletonized group and 7434 in the pedicled group, were included in the analysis. At a mean weighted follow-up of 4.8 years, there was no difference in mortality between the two groups (IRR 1.14; 95% CI 0.59-2.20). However, the skeletonized group had a higher incidence of graft failure compared to the pedicled group (IRR 1.87, 95% CI 1.33-2.63) but a lower risk of SWCs (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.30-0.60). There was no difference in short-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Compared to the pedicled harvesting technique, skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery is associated with higher rate of graft failure and lower risk of SWCs without mortality difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaldo Dimagli
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Marco Gemelli
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular, and Public Health Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Niraj Kumar
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthias Mitra
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Shubhra Sinha
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Daniel Fudulu
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lamia Harik
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gianmarco Cancelli
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giovanni Soletti
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Nikolaos Bonaros
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario Gaudino
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Kusu-Orkar TE, Kermali M, Masharani K, Noshirwani A, MacCarthy-Ofosu B, Oguamanam N, Bin Saeid J, Muir AD, Harky A. Skeletonized or Pedicled Harvesting of Left Internal Mammary Artery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 33:10-18. [PMID: 32979482 DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We sought to compare clinical outcomes in skeletonized versus pedicled left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts in elective coronary artery bypass grafting through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive electronic literature search of PubMed, Ovid, Embase, and Scopus was conducted from inception to January 2020. Only short-term (30 days) studies which compared both techniques have been included in our analysis. Primary outcomes were post anastomosis flow rate and sternal wound infection rate (SWI); secondary outcomes were conduit length, acute myocardial infarction and 30-day mortality. Thirteen articles with a total of 6222 patients met the inclusion criteria. Except for the prevalence of diabetes mellitus being significantly lower in the skeletonized cohort (odds ratio [OR] 0.77 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.61, 0.97], P = 0.03), there were no differences in the preoperative demographics between the 2 groups. The skeletonized LIMA conduit was significantly longer when compared to the pedicled conduit (weighted mean difference -2.64 cm 95% CI [-3.71, -1.56], P < 0.0001). SWI rates were not significantly different in the skeletonized versus pedicled LIMA group (OR 0.71 95% CI [0.47, 1.06], P = 0.10). New onset of acute myocardial infarction and 30-day mortality rate was similar in the 2 groups (OR 1.04 and 0.97, respectively, P > 0.05 in both). The postanastomoses flow rate was higher in skeletonized LIMA (Weighted Mean Difference -11.51 mL/min 95% CI [-20.54, -2.49], P < 0.01). Harvesting the LIMA using the skeletonized technique is associated with higher postanastomosis flow rates and longer conduit lengths; with no difference in SWI and mortality rates when compared to the pedicled technique. We suggest that this technique should be adopted, particularly for BITA harvesting. However, further research is needed to provide clearer indications for both methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammed Kermali
- Faculty of Medicine, St. George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kellan Masharani
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Arish Noshirwani
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Nina Oguamanam
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Barts Heart Centre, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jalal Bin Saeid
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew D Muir
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
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Van den Eynde J, Heeren A, Szecel D, Meuris B, Jacobs S, Verbrugghe P, Oosterlinck W. Skeletonisation contributing to a reduction of sternal wound complications: a retrospective study in OPCAB patients. J Cardiothorac Surg 2019; 14:162. [PMID: 31500639 PMCID: PMC6734214 DOI: 10.1186/s13019-019-0985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sternal wound complications (SWC) are a rare but potentially life-threatening complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Especially the use of bilateral IMA (BIMA) grafts as opposed to single IMA (SIMA) grafts is associated with an increased risk of SWC. Skeletonised harvesting has been proposed to reduce this risk. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the effect of skeletonisation on SWC after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) in a centre with a high volume of off-pump procedures and high frequencies of BIMA. Methods From January 2010 to November 2016, 1900 consecutive patients underwent OPCAB surgery at the University Hospitals of Leuven. The first group (n = 1487) received non-skeletonised IMA grafts, whereas the second group (n = 413) received skeletonised grafts. Optimal wound management was pursued in all patients. A new four-grade classification for SWC was developed. Incidence and grade of SWC as well as overall survival were assessed. Results Analysis of diabetic patients showed a lower incidence of SWC in the skeletonised (12/141, 8.5%) compared to the non-skeletonised group (82/414, 19.8%) [odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval (0.23;0.88), p = 0.019] as well as a lower grade [0.45 (0.24;0.871), p = 0.018]. There was no significant effect on overall survival [0.67 (0.19;2.32), p = 0.529]. Subanalysis of this population revealed that the observed effects were most prominent in patients receiving BIMA grafts, with 6/56 (10.7%) SWC in the skeletonised and 62/252 (24.6%) in the non-skeletonised group [0.37 (0.15;0.90), p = 0.028 for incidence], as well as a lower grade [0.36 (0.15;0.88), p = 0.025]. These advantages were not significant in diabetic patients receiving SIMA grafts nor in the full study population. Conclusions This study, using a more sensitive classification of SWC, shows in a large group of patients that, in combination with optimized wound management, the skeletonisation technique is associated with a clear reduction in the incidence and grade of SWC in diabetic patients receiving BIMA grafts. This encourages the extension of BIMA use in OPCAB to this risk population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13019-019-0985-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jef Van den Eynde
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Astrid Heeren
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Delphine Szecel
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Meuris
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Jacobs
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Verbrugghe
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wouter Oosterlinck
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Research Unit of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Sá MPBDO, Ferraz PE, Escobar RR, Vasconcelos FP, Ferraz AAB, Braile DM, Lima RC. Skeletonized versus pedicled internal thoracic artery and risk of sternal wound infection after coronary bypass surgery: meta-analysis and meta-regression of 4817 patients. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2013; 16:849-57. [PMID: 23446674 PMCID: PMC3653453 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivt012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Revised: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is suggested that the internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting technique influences the incidence of sternal wound infection (SWI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). To determine if there is any real difference between skeletonized vs pedicled ITA, we performed a meta-analysis to determine if there is any real difference between these two established techniques in terms of SWI. We performed a systematic review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR, SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar and reference lists of relevant articles to search for studies that compared the incidence of SWI after CABG between skeletonized vs pedicled ITA until June 2012. The principal summary measures were odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P values (statistically significant when <0.05). The ORs were combined across studies using the weighted DerSimonian-Laird random effects model and weighted Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects. Meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were completed using the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 (Biostat, Inc., Englewood, NJ, USA). Twenty-two studies involving 4817 patients (2424 skeletonized; 2393 pedicled) met the eligibility criteria. There was no evidence for important heterogeneity of effects among the studies. The overall OR (95% CI) of SWI showed a statistically significant difference in favour of skeletonized ITA (fixed effect model: OR 0.443, 95% CI 0.323-0.608, P < 0.001; random effect model: OR 0.443, 95% CI 0.323-0.608, P < 0.001). In the sensitivity analysis, the difference in favour of skeletonized ITA was also observed in subgroups such as diabetic, bilateral ITA and diabetic with bilateral ITA; we also observed that there was a difference in the type of study, since non-randomized studies together demonstrated the benefit of skeletonized ITA in comparison with pedicled ITA, but the randomized studies together did not show this difference (although close to statistical significance and with the tendency to favour the skeletonized group). In meta-regression, we observed a statistically significant coefficient for SWI and proportion of diabetic patients (coefficient -0.02, 95% CI -0.03 to -0.01, P = 0.016). In conclusion, skeletonized ITA appears to reduce the incidence of postoperative SWI in comparison with pedicled ITA after CABG, with this effect being modulated by the presence of diabetes.
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Hu X, Zhao Q. Skeletonized Internal Thoracic Artery Harvest Improves Prognosis in High-Risk Population After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Good Quality Grafts. Ann Thorac Surg 2011; 92:48-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Saso S, James D, Vecht JA, Kidher E, Kokotsakis J, Malinovski V, Rao C, Darzi A, Anderson JR, Athanasiou T. Effect of skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery for coronary revascularization on the incidence of sternal wound infection. Ann Thorac Surg 2010; 89:661-70. [PMID: 20103378 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2009.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 08/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Use of the internal thoracic artery in coronary revascularization confers excellent benefit. We assessed the impact of skeletonization on the incidence of postoperative sternal wound infection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We also investigated whether there is an advantage in using this technique when harvesting both internal thoracic arteries in high-risk groups, such as diabetic patients. Skeletonization was associated with beneficial reduction in the odds ratio of sternal wound infection (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.26 to 0.64). This effect was more evident when analyzing diabetic patients undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.34).
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan Saso
- Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Nakano J, Okabayashi H, Hanyu M, Soga Y, Nomoto T, Arai Y, Matsuo T, Kai M, Kawatou M. Risk factors for wound infection after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: Should bilateral internal thoracic arteries be harvested in patients with diabetes? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008; 135:540-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Revised: 08/03/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Abstract
The internal thoracic artery has been the most reliable graft material used in coronary artery bypass grafting with an excellent long-term patency rate. Complete myocardial revascularization with internal thoracic arteries improves long-term survival and decreases the rate of repeat operations compared with vein grafts. Adequate length of the graft in coronary artery bypass graft surgery is essential for providing complete arterial revascularization. In the last decade or so, technique of skeletonization of internal thoracic artery has been proposed to achieve extra length. Skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery allows the preparation of longer conduits with a superior free flow and can reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary and sternal complications. However, concerns about vasoreactivity of skeletonized internal thoracic artery grafts, the functional consequences of surgical trauma, the possible loss of innervation, and vasa vasorum perfusion in the skeletonized conduits have prevented this technique from being universally accepted. Presently available evidence from retrospective studies (level 3 evidence) suggests that skeletonization is a safe and effective technique for myocardial revascularization. However, there is a need for conducting multicenter, randomized controlled trials comparing the skeletonized and pedicled internal thoracic arteries with special emphasis on long-term patency to conclusively validate the safety and efficacy of skeletonization technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad G Raja
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Kirali K, Koçak T, Güzelmeriç F, Göksedef D, Kayalar N, Yakut C. Off-Pump Awake Coronary Revascularization Using Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries. Ann Thorac Surg 2004; 78:1598-602. [PMID: 15511439 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2004.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A new technique has been developed that permits complete arterial revascularization of the lateral and/or inferior wall of the heart using in situ bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts in awake patients. This technique, without cardiopulmonary bypass and mechanical ventilation, creates the least invasive revascularization method for the lateral and/or posterior wall of the heart yet described. METHODS In 7 patients double or triple vessel coronary artery bypass grafting was performed without general anesthesia. A high thoracic epidural anesthesia was started one hour before surgery. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries were harvested and all anastomoses were performed with the off-pump technique by standard median sternotomy. Circumflex, or the right coronary artery, were anastomosed with bilateral internal thoracic arteries using a heart positioner. Six patients received double bypass grafting and one patient received triple bypass grafts (bilateral internal thoracic arteries and one radial artery). RESULTS All patients remained awake throughout the whole procedure. There was no perioperative myocardial infarction or mortality. Pneumothorax was observed in three patients, but it was repaired in two. Only one patient completed the procedure with unilateral pneumothorax. There were no hemodynamic and pulmonary problems during lateral or posterior wall revascularization. Two patients required unexpected coronary endarterectomy during circumflex and right coronary artery anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS Complete arterial revascularization by median sternotomy using in situ bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts without general anesthesia is a feasible and safe procedure for multivessel disease. This approach gives a chance for awake revascularization of the right and/or circumflex coronary artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Kirali
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kosuyolu Heart and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Athanasiou T, Crossman MC, Asimakopoulos G, Cherian A, Weerasinghe A, Glenville B, Casula R. Should the internal thoracic artery be skeletonized? Ann Thorac Surg 2004; 77:2238-46. [PMID: 15172321 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2003.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, the internal thoracic artery is harvested as a pedicle. In contemporary cardiac surgical practice, however, certain surgeons practice the internal thoracic artery-skeletonization technique. A systematic review of clinical studies reporting on the use of skeletonized internal thoracic arteries (SKT-ITA) has not yet been performed. The primary aim of this review article is to examine comprehensively the entire body of evidence regarding the use of SKT-ITA. In particular, we aimed to analyze the effects of skeletonization on sternal blood supply, wall damage and blood flow in the harvested vessel, postoperative graft patency, and clinical outcome. Advantages and disadvantages of the skeletonization technique are highlighted and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanos Athanasiou
- The National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
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Bolotin G, Scott WW, Austin TC, Charland PJ, Kypson AP, Nifong LW, Salleng K, Chitwood WR. Robotic skeletonizing of the internal thoracic artery: is it safe? Ann Thorac Surg 2004; 77:1262-5. [PMID: 15063248 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2003.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advantages of internal thoracic artery skeletonization include early high blood flow, a longer conduit, and less bleeding than pedicle internal thoracic artery grafts. Longer conduits are needed for complete endoscopic arterial revascularization. Therefore this study was designed to determine the feasibility and safety of internal thoracic artery skeletonization using the da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). METHODS Nine dogs underwent bilateral robotic internal thoracic artery harvesting through three ports placed in the left chest. One internal thoracic artery was harvested as a pedicle in each dog, and the other was skeletonized. Internal thoracic artery blood flow was measured in each graft, and comparative endothelial histologic studies were performed. Data are mean +/- the standard error of the mean. RESULTS All 18 internal thoracic arteries were harvested successfully. Skeletonized internal thoracic artery harvests required more time (48.0 minutes +/- 1.8) than pedicle internal thoracic artery harvests (39.0 minutes +/- 1.4; p < 0.05). Internal thoracic artery flows during the final intervals were similar (skeletonized = 30.0 mL/min +/- 2.4 vs pedicle = 31.5 mL/min +/- 1.8; p = 0.9). Free internal thoracic artery bleeding flow was similar in both groups (skeletonized = 162.0 mL/min +/- 3.0 vs pedicle = 189.0 mL/min +/- 2.4; p = 0.4). Histologically, both groups were similar with minimal endothelial damage. CONCLUSIONS Robotically skeletonized harvesting is safe, but it requires more time (48.0 minutes +/- 1.8) than pedicle internal thoracic artery harvesting. Despite muted tactile feedback with robotics, neither technique was associated with histologic or functional damage. These encouraging results may represent an advantage for complete arterial revascularization in robotic coronary bypass patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Bolotin
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
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