Review of a 13-year single-center experience with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass as the primary surgical treatment of coronary artery disease

Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Sixteen Years of Single-Center Experience

Background: Coronary artery disease is a major cause of death globally. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), using a small left anterior thoracotomy, aims to provide a less invasive alternative to traditional procedures, potentially improving patient outcomes with reduced recovery times. Methods: This retrospective, non-randomized study analyzed 310 patients who underwent MIDCAB between July 1999 and April 2022. Data were collected on demographics, clinical characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes, and follow-up mortality and morbidity. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS, with survival curves generated via the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 63.3 ± 10.9 years, with 30.6% females. The majority of surgeries were elective (76.1%), with an average operating time of 129.7 ± 35.3 min. The median rate of intraoperative blood transfusions was 0.0 (CI 0.0-2.0) Units. The mean in-hospital stay was 8.7 ± 5.5 days, and the median ICU stay was just one day. Early postoperative complications were minimal, with a 0.64% in-hospital mortality rate. The 6-month and 1-year mortalities were 0.97%, with a 10-year survival rate of 94.3%. There were two cases of perioperative myocardial infarction and no instances of stroke or new onset dialysis. Conclusions: The MIDCAB approach demonstrates significant benefits in terms of patient recovery and long-term outcomes, offering a viable and effective alternative for patients suitable for less invasive procedures. Our results suggest that MIDCAB is a safe option with favorable survival rates, justifying its consideration in high-volume centers focused on minimally invasive techniques.

Short-Term Clinical Results of Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB) Procedure

Objectives: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is an alternative for revascularisation of the isolated left anterior descending (LAD) artery or as a multi-vessel (MV) procedure for the diagonal branch (RD) or the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) region. Methods: From 2021 to 2022, 91 patients underwent MIDCAB or multi-vessel MIDCAB procedures in our heart center. The left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery via the left minithoracotomy approach in all patients. Results: Of the patients, a total of 86.8% were male. Eighty percent of the patients had two- or three-vessel coronary artery disease. The mean age was 65.1 ± 10.1 years. The mean operation time was 2.6 ± 0.8 h. The 30-day mortality was 0. The mean required packed red blood cells (pRBC) was 0.4 ± 1.2 unit. The mean intensive care unit stay (ICU) was 1.5 ± 1.6 days. The mean follow-up time was 1.5 ± 0.5 years. One patient received percutaneous coronary intervention due to de novo stenosis of the RCA. Late mortality was 2.2%. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 98.8% at 1 and 2 years. Conclusions: The postoperative complication rate of our MIDCAB cohort is low, and the short-term survival is favorable. Our postoperative and short-term clinical results demonstrate that this procedure is safe and feasible.

Minimal invasive coronary surgery is not associated with increased mortality or morbidity during the period of learning curve

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive procedures for coronary revascularization have been performed for over 20 years; however, their technical complexity, steep learning curves and absence of training programs explain the weak acceptance of these techniques. The aim of this study is to describe the step-by-step learning process on how to establish a minimally invasive coronary artery revascularization program. The short-term outcomes of our first 30 patients were compared to our left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery off pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) cohort as a quality control baseline.

METHODS

All patients who benefited from an endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass (Endo-ACAB) in our hospital, from July 2018 to May 2020 (n = 30) were identified. Baseline demographics, peri, postoperative and laboratory data were extracted from each patient's medical records. These results were compared to our LIMA-LAD OPCAB cohort (n = 23).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were planned for a single LIMA-LAD Endo-ACAB. The remaining two had a T-graft double Endo-ACAB. Ten patients had a hybrid revascularization with the culprit lesion being treated first. Three patients were converted to sternotomy because of a LIMA lesion during thoracoscopic harvesting. We accounted three major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Demographic, peri and postoperative data showed no significant differences between the Endo-ACAB and the OPCAB group.

CONCLUSION

Endo-ACAB is a technically demanding operation, however, it can safely be introduced in centers with no previous experience with no extra cost in terms of morbidity or mortality. Thoracoscopic LIMA harvesting is the most demanding surgical skill to acquire.

Twenty-year outcomes of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery: The Leipzig experience

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery involving left anterior descending coronary artery grafting with the left internal thoracic artery through a left anterior small thoracotomy is being routinely performed in some specified centers for patients with isolated complex left anterior descending coronary artery disease, but very few reports regarding long-term outcomes exist in literature. Our study was aimed at assessing and analyzing the early and long-term outcomes of a large cohort of patients who underwent MIDCAB procedures and identifying the effects of changing trends in patient characteristics on early mortality.

METHODS

A total of 2667 patients, who underwent MIDCAB procedures between 1996 and 2018, were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the year of surgery: group A, 1996-2003 (n = 1333); group B, 2004-2010 (n = 627) and group C, 2011-2018 (n = 707). Groupwise characteristics and early postoperative outcomes were compared. Long-term survival for all patients was analyzed and predictors for late mortality were identified using Cox proportional hazards methods.

RESULTS

The mean age was 64.5 ± 10.9 years and 691 (25.9%) patients were female. Group C patients (log EuroSCORE I = 4.9 ± 6.9) were older with more cardiac risk factors and comorbidities than groups A (log EuroSCORE I = 3.1 ± 4.5) and B (log EuroSCORE I = 3.5 ± 4.7). Overall and groupwise in-hospital mortality was 0.9%, 1.0%, 0.6%, and 1.0% (P = .7), respectively. Overall 10-, 15-, and 20-year survival estimates for all patients were 77.7 ± 0.9%, 66.1 ± 1.2%, and 55.6 ± 1.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MIDCAB can be safely performed with very good early and long-term outcomes. In-hospital mortality remained constant over the 22-year period of the study despite worsening demographic profile of patients.

Robotic Off-Pump Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass in Patients With Low Ejection Fraction

Objective: Robotic totally endoscopic coronary bypass (R-TECAB) has been shown to be a safe and effective technique with excellent outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of R-TECAB in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to report our midterm outcomes with up to 7-year follow-up. Methods: All patients undergoing R-TECAB at our institution between July 2013 and July 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 100 patients were identified with low LVEF defined as ≤40%. The preoperative characteristics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, as well as the midterm results were reviewed. Results: The mean LVEF was 31%, and 62% of all patients had preexisting congestive heart failure. Of the cohort, 59% had 3-vessel disease and 6% underwent previous cardiac surgery. Multivessel TECAB was performed in 54%. Hybrid coronary revascularization occurred in 36 individuals. Two patients required cardiopulmonary bypass, and 35% were extubated in the operating room. No sternotomy conversions were required. One patient underwent reoperation for bleeding. No perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, or mortality occurred. The left internal mammary artery graft patency was 97% at a mean of 1.6 months in the staged hybrid percutaneous coronary intervention group. At midterm follow-up the cardiac-related mortality was 5%. Heart transplant or left ventricular assist device was required in 4 patients, and 1 patient experienced a myocardial infarction. Freedom from major adverse cardiac events was 89%. Conclusions: Off-pump TECAB can be successfully performed in patients with low LVEF in the setting of an experienced and dedicated robotic cardiac surgery team. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of the technique with excellent perioperative and midterm outcomes.

Left thoracotomy approach for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: 15 years of experience in 2500 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to describe the experience at 2 centres with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using a left thoracotomy.

METHODS

From January 2002 to December 2017, a total of 2528 consecutive patients (578 women, mean age 62.3 ± 9.1 years) were operated on using this technique. Data were collected prospectively and analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were no conversions to median sternotomy and 6 patients (0.2%) were converted to on-pump CABG. The mean number of grafts per patient was 2.8 ± 0. 9. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.0% (25 patients). Most patients were extubated in the operating theatre (97.3%), and 47 patients (1.9%) needed re-exploration for bleeding. Seven patients (0.3%) experienced a cerebrovascular event; 4 (0.3%) had a postoperative myocardial infarction; and 84 (3.4%) had new-onset atrial fibrillation. A total of 1510 patients (61.1%) were discharged from the hospital in the first 48 h after surgery. Long-term survival rates were 98.8%, 93.6% and 69.1% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively (central image). During the follow-up period, 60 patients (2.9%) were re-examined for recurrence of angina with a new coronary angiogram; of those, 24 (1.2%) required percutaneous coronary intervention and 11 (0.5%) had redo surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A left thoracotomy is a safe alternative to a median sternotomy for coronary artery bypass grafting on the beating heart, with low early complications and good mid- and long-term results.

Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass in High-Risk Patients with Multivessel Disease

BACKGROUND

 High-risk patients with multivessel disease (MVD) including a complex stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary may not be ideal candidates for guideline compliant therapy by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) regarding invasiveness and perioperative complications. However, they may benefit from minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting and hybrid revascularization (HCR).

METHODS

 A logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score (logES) >10% defined high risk. In high-risk patients with MVD undergoing MIDCAB or HCR, the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after 30 days and during midterm follow-up was evaluated.

RESULTS

 Out of 1,250 patients undergoing MIDCAB at our institution between 1998 and 2015, 78 patients (logES: 18.5%; age, 76.7 ± 8.6 years) met the inclusion criteria. During the first 30 days, mortality and rate of MACCE were 9.0%; early mortality was two-fold overestimated by logES. Complete revascularization as scheduled was finally achieved in 64 patients (82.1%). Median follow-up time reached 3.4 (1.2-6.5) years with a median survival time of 4.7 years. Survival after 1, 3, and 5 years was 77, 62, and 48%.

CONCLUSION

 In high-risk patients with MVD, MIDCAB is associated with acceptable early outcome which is better than predicted by logES. Taking the high-risk profile into consideration, midterm follow-up showed satisfying results, although scheduled HCR was not realized in a relevant proportion. In selected cases of MVD, MIDCAB presents an acceptable alternative for high-risk patients.

Minimally Invasive Coronary Revascularisation Surgery: A Focused Review of the Available Literature

Minimally invasive coronary revascularisation was originally developed in the mid 1990s as minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting is a less invasive approach compared to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to address targets in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Since then, MIDCAB has evolved with the adoption of a robotic platform and the possibility to perform multivessel bypass procedures. Minimally invasive coronary revascularisation surgery also allows for a combination between the benefits of CABG and percutaneous coronary interventions for non-LAD lesions – a hybrid approach. Hybrid coronary revascularisation results in fewer blood transfusions, shorter hospital stay, decreased ventilation times and patients return to work sooner when compared to conventional CABG. This article reviews the available literature, describes standard approaches and considers topics, such as limited access procedures, indications and patient selection, diagnostics and imaging, techniques, anastomotic devices, hybrid coronary revascularisation and outcome analysis.

Minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery with bilateral internal thoracic arteries: Early outcomes and angiographic patency

OBJECTIVE

Multivessel minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting, performed chiefly with left internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein grafts through a left anterolateral thoracotomy, has recently emerged as an alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. The present study involves our initial experience with respect to early postoperative and angiographic outcomes after total arterial multivessel off-pump minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic arteries.

METHODS

A total of 88 consecutive patients undergoing total arterial off-pump minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting with bilateral internal thoracic arteries without ascending aortic manipulation were included in this study. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries were harvested under direct vision through a left anterolateral thoracotomy and used as Y or in situ grafts. Multivessel grafting was performed off pump. Postoperative graft assessment was performed in 51 patients.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 67.1 ± 7.2 years, and 79 patients (89.8%) were male. The mean body mass index and ejection fraction were 26.7 ± 2.7 kg/m² and 57.6% ± 6.6%, respectively, and 40 patients (45.5%) had left main disease. No intraoperative conversions to cardiopulmonary bypass or sternotomy occurred. A total of 209 distal anastomoses (mean 2.4 ± 0.5) were performed, with 57 patients undergoing double, 29 patients undergoing triple, and 2 patients undergoing quadruple coronary artery bypass grafting. There was no in-hospital mortality, and 5 patients underwent reexploration for bleeding. No patient had stroke or chest wound infections. Predischarge coronary angiography revealed an overall graft patency rate of 96.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Off-pump minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting using total arterial revascularization with bilateral internal thoracic arteries is a feasible and safe operation that is associated with excellent short-term outcomes and early graft patency. Future studies should focus on improving the generalizability and reproducibility of this technique.

Sex-specific outcome after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass for single-vessel disease

OBJECTIVES

Female gender is reported as an independent risk factor for a poor outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting. We analysed the influence of gender on surgical outcome in patients with single-vessel disease undergoing minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB).

METHODS

From January 1998 to December 2016, a total of 607 consecutive patients with single-vessel disease (31.9% women) underwent MIDCAB at our institution. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were recorded during a median follow-up period of 8.0 years. Survival time was estimated for all patients and after applying propensity score matching (138 women vs 138 men). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified risk factors predicting a long-term mortality rate.

RESULTS

In women, a longer surgical time (125 vs 113 min; P < 0.001) and a higher transfusion rate were recorded (13.0% vs 5.1%; P = 0.001) with similar rates of in-hospital deaths (1.0% vs 0.5%; P = 0.60) and MACCE (1.5% vs 0.7%; P = 0.39). Survival and MACCE-free survival during the follow-up period did not differ significantly between genders (P = 1.0, P = 0.36). Survival and MACCE-free survival rates after 5 years were 94% and 90% in women compared to 91% and 86% in men. Propensity score matching demonstrated improved long-term survival rates in women (P = 0.029). Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, postoperative atrial fibrillation and prolonged intensive care unit stay were associated with long-term deaths for both genders, whereas obesity, former myocardial infarction and preoperative atrial fibrillation were significant risk factors in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients showed no adverse outcomes after MIDCAB, although risk factors were gender-specific. Overall, MIDCAB demonstrated excellent short- and long-term results as a treatment for single-vessel disease in both genders.

State-of-the-Art Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Patient Selection, Graft Selection, and Optimizing Outcomes

Despite the progressive expansion of clinical indications for percutaneous coronary intervention and the increasingly high risk profile of referred patients, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the mainstay in multivessel disease, providing good long-term outcomes with low complication rates. Multiple arterial grafting, especially if associated with anaortic techniques, might provide the best longer-term outcomes. A surgical approach individualized to the patients' clinical and anatomic characteristics, and surgeon and team experience, are key to excellent outcomes. Current evidence regarding patient selection, indications, graft selection, and potential strategies to optimize outcomes in patients treated with CABG is summarized.

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS)-CABG is a technique that at its core has patient comfort, early return to routine activities, meeting patient expectations for less invasive options, and maintaining the highest possible standards of care and outcomes. The technique requires not only surgical dexterity but also integration of significant technological advancements in patient care. At a time when percutaneous interventions are often prescribed on the pretext of increased patient comfort and demand, minimally invasive myocardial revascularization becomes even more relevant. Minimally invasive myocardial revascularization is ever evolving and encompasses both small-incision open techniques as well as endoscopic-assisted procedures. The success of the procedure depends not only on the learning curve and familiarity with the technology but also on appropriate patient selection. Mere feasibility of the technique is not sufficient, and the results have to be comparable with the long-established techniques of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting both in terms of early morbidity and mortality as well as long-term outcomes. In this review, we discuss patient selection and technical aspects of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting. We also provide an evidence-based comparison to early and long-term outcomes with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. Finally, we review the uptake and outcomes of minimally invasive revascularization in the Indian subcontinent.

A review of hybrid coronary revascularization

Purpose

Hybrid coronary revascularization is an emerging treatment strategy for coronary artery disease. We will review the reasons for the development of this strategy, describe surgical techniques, and review outcomes. Finally, we will discuss the future of hybrid revascularization and explain why it will grow as a treatment modality.

Methods

For this review, we conducted an unstructured review of the literature for articles related to hybrid coronary revascularization, bypass surgery, and percutaneous coronary interventions.

Results

Hybrid coronary revascularization has been shown in large series to have excellent results. These include fast recovery time, low mortality and rates of complications, and excellent surgical graft patency. There may be increased need for revascularization over conventional bypass surgery.

Conclusions

The combination improved surgical techniques including a robotic surgery platform, as well as the ever-improving efficacy and durability of coronary stents have made hybrid coronary revascularization an attractive option for many patients. It offers a minimally invasive approach to surgery while avoiding the poor patency of saphenous vein grafts. In appropriately selected patients, this may be an ideal treatment strategy that minimizes risks and maximizes short- and long-term benefits.

Robotic Beating Heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass in Higher-Risk Patients: Can It be Done Safely?

OBJECTIVE

Patients with a high Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) predicted risk of mortality undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery are known to have worse outcomes. Less invasive approaches have been shown to improve morbidity and mortality for these patients. In this study, we examined perioperative outcomes in higher-risk patients undergoing robotic totally endoscopic beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

The STS predicted risk of mortality was reviewed for patients undergoing robotic totally endoscopic beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution between January 2013 and May 2017. We identified a higher-risk cohort (n = 50) and compared them to a lower-risk cohort (n = 220) during the same period. The higher-risk group was formed from patients with the 50 highest STS scores. Perioperative data were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 50 patients in the higher-risk group (mean STS score = 7.05 ± 4.9, mean age = 73 years) and 220 patients in the lower-risk group (mean STS score = 0.89 ± 0.6, mean age = 64 years). The higher-risk group had significantly greater rates of renal insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, and lower ejection fraction. The incidence of postoperative re-exploration for bleeding, stroke, myocardial infarction, and prolonged ventilation was similar. Perioperative blood transfusion and hospital length of stay were greater in the higher-risk group. Mortality was lower in the higher-risk group (0% vs 1.8% P = 0.045). Cardiac-related mortality was similar at midterm follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that beating heart totally endoscopic beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery can be performed in patients with a higher STS predicted risk of mortality with excellent outcomes. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term results of totally endoscopic beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery in this challenging group of patients.

Long-Term Outcome of Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to investigate the long-term survival of patients who underwent single-vessel coronary revascularization with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery with or without hybrid revascularization. The secondary outcome measures were repeat revascularization either by coronary artery bypass grafting or by percutaneous coronary intervention and the incidence of myocardial infarction or recurrent angina.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass procedure in our center between January 2001 and December 2015. Procedures were performed either through small left anterolateral thoracotomy or lower midline sternotomy.

RESULTS

A total of 182 patients were identified: 100 underwent minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass to the left anterior descending artery and 82 underwent hybrid revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention to coronary arteries other than the left anterior descending artery along with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass to the left anterior descending artery). The mean ± SD age was 62 ± 10.1 years. Preoperatively 82% were male, and 72.5% patients had good left ventricular function. The median follow-up period was 10.9 years. There was no in-hospital or 30-day mortality. The 10-year actuarial survival was 84.8%. Freedom from repeat revascularization was 98.9% at 1 year and 89.9% at 10 years. At follow-up, freedom from myocardial infarction was 96.7% whereas freedom from angina was 92.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations imposed by retrospective analyses, our study demonstrates excellent long-term outcome in patients undergoing minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass with or without hybrid revascularization. For isolated left anterior descending artery disease minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass should be considered, whereas hybrid revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass) should be considered for multivessel disease.

Short-term clinical outcomes and long-term survival of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting is regarded as an alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) through full sternotomy, particularly for patients with isolated proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis deemed unsuitable for percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the technically demanding nature of the procedure and lack of long-term published outcomes have precluded its universal adoption. We report the comparative short-term outcomes and long-term survival of MIDCAB and conventional CABG through full sternotomy for grafting of isolated LAD.

Methods

From February 1996 to October 2017, a total of 668 patients underwent MIDCAB (n=508) and full sternotomy (n=160) CABG for isolated proximal LAD stenosis. Their data were prospectively entered into the institutional cardiac surgery database (Patients Analysis & Tracking System; Dendrite Clinical Systems, Ltd, Oxford, England, United Kingdom) and analyzed retrospectively. Information on patient deaths was obtained from the institutional database and the National General Register Office for all patients.

Results

The two groups were comparable with respect to preoperative demographics and risk profile. MIDCAB was associated with longer operative time (177±32 versus 141±12 min; P=0.003). The two groups did not significantly differ with regard to other complications including operative mortality. At a mean follow-up of 12.95±0.47 years, survival was also similar.

Conclusions

This large single centre study with longest follow-up validates the status of MIDCAB as an effective strategy for grafting of LAD. However, it fails to show superiority of the minimally invasive approach compared to conventional CABG through full sternotomy.

The Likert scale is a powerful tool for quality of life assessment among patients after minimally invasive coronary surgery

Introduction

Health-related quality of life (QoL) is an acknowledged index of treatment effectiveness. There are several methods of its evaluation which are predisposed to different risk of bias.

Aim

To investigate the agreement between objective and subjective tools of QoL assessment in patients who underwent endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass (EACAB) grafting.

Material and methods

This prospective observational study covered 705 consecutive patients who underwent EACAB between April 1998 and December 2010. Quality of life was assessed in a follow-up of 2132 ±1313 days among 482 subjects using the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire as an objective tool and the Likert scale as a more subjective method.

Results

There was good agreement between a 5-step Likert scale and a 5-step BREF Q1 (‘overall quality of life’) and Q2 (‘general health’) with a concordance correlation coefficient of CCC = 0.64 (95% CI: 0.58–0.69) and CCC = 0.49 (95% CI: 0.43–0.55), respectively. There was also a statistically significant correlation between answers reported using the Likert scale and all domains of BREF: physical health (R = 0.54, p < 0.001), psychological health (R = 0.56, p < 0.001), social relationships (R = 0.45, p < 0.001) and environment (R = 0.56, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The Likert scale is useful in QoL assessment in patients after minimally invasive coronary surgery. This simple and easy-to-use screening method may be used interchangeably with a more reliable but also more complex questionnaire tool.

Comparative Analysis of Perioperative and Mid-Term Results of TECAB and MIDCAB for Revascularization of Anterior Wall

OBJECTIVE

Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting through minithoracotomy are currently the two minimally invasive surgical techniques of left ventricular anterior wall revascularization. We aimed to compare both techniques in terms of perioperative and mid-term results.

METHODS

Arrested heart TECAB was carried out in 204 patients with a median (range) age of 60 (53-76) years and a median (range) EuroSCORE I of 2 (0-3). Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass was performed in 60 patients with a median (range) age of 66 (54-75) years and a median (range) EuroSCORE I of 2 (1-5). Both techniques were used for single or sequential internal mammary artery grafts to the anterior wall. Operative times, conversion rates, and surgical complications as well as mid-term results were compared between the groups after a median follow-up of 36 months.

RESULTS

No perioperative deaths were noted. Rates of myocardial infarction (TECAB: 1.5% vs MIDCAB: 0%, P = 0.463) and stroke (TECAB: 1.5% vs MIDCAB: 0%, P = 0.454) were not significantly different between the groups. Total operative times were longer in the TECAB compared with the MIDCAB group [292 (250-345) minutes in TECAB versus 201 (173-289) minutes in MIDCAB (P < 0.001)]. Intensive care unit stay and total length of stay were similar between the groups. There was no difference in mid-term survival (TECAB: 1.5% vs MIDCAB: 1.7%, P = 0.298) and freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (TECAB: 12.4% vs MIDCAB: 5.1%, P = 0.358).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotically assisted arrested heart TECAB and robotic MIDCAB perform equally in terms of perioperative results and mid-term follow-up in this single-center patient cohort.

Reviewing hybrid coronary revascularization: challenges, controversies and opportunities

Two main approaches to myocardial revascularization currently exist, coronary artery bypass and percutaneous coronary intervention. In patients with advanced coronary artery disease, coronary artery bypass surgery is associated with improved long term outcomes while percutaneous coronary intervention 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. This new approach, hybrid coronary revascularization, has shown encouraging early results. Minimally invasive techniques for bypass surgery have played a large part of bringing this approach into contemporary practice.

Strategies for the coronary surgeon to remain "competitive and co-operative" in the PCI era

BACKGROUND

The advent of percutaneous intervention has made surgical treatment of coronary artery disease less favored by patients though the evidence that supports CABG in certain patient subsets is strong.

METHODS

Literature review was done using Pubmed, Scopus, Google and Google Scholar with MeSH terms-coronary artery bypass grafting, internal mammary artery, drug eluting stent, stroke, myocardial revascularization.

RESULTS

The adoption of evolving techniques like anaortic off pump grafting, bilateral internal mammary artery use, hybrid and minimally invasive coronary revascularization techniques, intra-operative graft assessment, and heart team approach can lead to better outcomes following surgery as is evidenced by recent literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Though the adoptability of the newer strategies may vary between centers a close coalition between coronary surgeons and cardiologists would ensure that the management of coronary artery disease is based on evidence for the benefit of the patient.

Propensity Score Adjusted Comparison of MIDCAB versus Full Sternotomy Left Anterior Descending Artery Revascularization

Objective

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has been proposed as an attractive alternative to full sternotomy (FS) revascularization in isolated left anterior descending (LAD) artery disease not suitable for percutaneous coronary intervention. However, surgeons are still reluctant to perform MIDCAB owing to concerns about early and late outcomes. We aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes after MIDCAB versus FS revascularization.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from institutional database were reviewed. Data for late mortality were obtained from the General Register Office. MIDCAB was performed in 318 patients, whereas 159 had FS, according to the surgeon's preference, among 477 patients with isolated LAD disease. Inverse propensity score weighting was used to estimate treatment effects on short- and long-term outcomes.

Results

In the propensity score-adjusted analysis, FS revascularization versus MIDCAB was associated increased rate of surgical site infection [4 (2.8%) versus 1 (0.7%); P = 0.04]. The 2 groups did not significantly differ with regard to other complications including operative mortality. Mean length of hospital stay was similar for the 2 groups. After a mean follow-up time of 6.2 years (interquartile range, 3.5–9.7 years), compared to MIDCAB, FS was not associated with an improved late survival (β coef, −1.42; standard error, 1.65; P = 0.39) or risk reduction for repeat revascularization (β coef, 1.22; standard error, 1.41; P = 0.15).

Conclusions

MIDCAB was associated with a trend toward better short-term outcomes and excellent long-term results comparable to FS revascularization. According to these findings, surgeons should not be reluctant to perform MIDCAB in isolated LAD disease.

Hybrid revascularization for multivessel coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD) referred for standard coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

BACKGROUND

Conventional CABG is still the treatment of choice in patients with MVCAD. However, the limitations of standard CABG and the unsatisfactory long-term patency of saphenous grafts are commonly known.

METHODS

A total of 200 patients with MVCAD involving the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and a critical (>70%) lesion in at least 1 major epicardial vessel (except the LAD) amenable to both PCI and CABG and referred for conventional surgical revascularization were randomly assigned to undergo HCR or CABG (in a 1:1 ratio). The primary endpoint was the evaluation of the safety of HCR. The feasibility was defined by the percent of patients with a complete HCR procedure and the percent of patients with conversions to standard CABG. The occurrence of major adverse cardiac events such as death, myocardial infarction, stroke, repeated revascularization, and major bleeding within the 12-month period after randomization was also assessed.

RESULTS

Most of the pre-procedural characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Of the patients in the hybrid group, 93.9% had complete HCR and 6.1% patients were converted to standard CABG. At 12 months, the rates of death (2.0% vs. 2.9 %, p = NS), myocardial infarction (6.1% vs. 3.9%, p = NS), major bleeding (2% vs. 2%, p = NS), and repeat revascularization (2% vs. 0%, p = NS) were similar in the 2 groups. In both groups, no cerebrovascular incidents were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

HCR is feasible in select patients with MVCAD referred for conventional CABG. (Safety and Efficacy Study of Hybrid Revascularization in Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease [POL-MIDES]; NCT01035567).

Revascularization strategies for patients with stable coronary artery disease

Patients with coronary artery disease who have prognostically significant lesions or symptoms despite optimum medical therapy require mechanical revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or both. In this review, we will evaluate the evidence-based use of the two revascularization approaches in treating patients with coronary artery disease. CABG has been the predominant mode of revascularization for more than half a century and is the preferred strategy for patients with multivessel disease, especially those with diabetes mellitus, left ventricular systolic dysfunction or complex lesions. There have been significant technical and technological advances in PCI over recent years, and this is now the preferred revascularization modality in patients with single-vessel or low-risk multivessel disease. Percutaneous coronary intervention can also be considered to treat complex multivessel disease in patients with increased risk of adverse surgical outcomes including frail patients and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Improvements in both CABG (including total arterial revascularization, off-pump CABG and 'no-touch' graft harvesting) and PCI (including newer-generation stents, adjunctive pharmacotherapy and intracoronary imaging) mean that they will continue to challenge each other in the future. A 'heart team' approach is strongly recommended to select an evidence-based, yet individualized, revascularization strategy for all patients with complex coronary artery disease. Finally, optimal medical therapy is important for all patients with coronary artery disease, regardless of the mode of revascularization.

Outcomes after different non-sternotomy approaches to left single-vessel revascularization: a comparative study with up to 10-year follow-up

OBJECTIVES

Various non-sternotomy approaches have been used for left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafting in left single-vessel revascularization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of three different non-sternotomy techniques on long-term outcomes after left single-vessel revascularization.

METHODS

A total of 502 patients having single-vessel LAD disease treated from April 2003 to May 2013 by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB), endoscopically assisted coronary artery bypass grafting (EACAB) or robotically assisted direct coronary artery bypass grafting (RADCAB) were reviewed. In all cases, distal anastomoses were performed through anterolateral minithoracotomy incisions. In-hospital and long-term (10-year) outcomes were compared using standard and propensity score-adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-nine patients had MIDCAB, 76 had EACAB and 236 had RADCAB. After propensity score matching, RADCAB patients had significantly longer operative duration (P < 0.001), whereas MIDCAB and RADCAB patients had significantly higher incidence of postoperative angina over the follow-up (P = 0.034). The groups were comparable regarding in-hospital mortality and reintervention rate as well as incidence of myocardial infarction, reoperations, reinterventions and cardiac death. All groups showed comparable long-term survival (P = 0.943).

CONCLUSIONS

MIDCAB, EACAB and RADCAB are associated with similar long-term survival and incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in single-vessel surgical revascularization. However, the endoscopic approach was found to be free from the disadvantages of longer operating duration observed in RADCAB or higher incidence of angina and shorter freedom from MACEs observed in both MIDCAB and RADCAB groups.

Coronary artery bypass grafting: Part 2--optimizing outcomes and future prospects

Since first introduced in the mid-1960s, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has become the standard of care for patients with coronary artery disease. Surprisingly, the fundamental surgical technique itself did not change much over time. Nevertheless, outcomes after CABG have dramatically improved over the first 50 years. Randomized trials comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to CABG have shown converging outcomes for select patient populations, providing more evidence for wider use of PCI. It is increasingly important to focus on the optimization of the short- and long-term outcomes of CABG and to reduce the level of invasiveness of this procedure. This review provides an overview on how new techniques and widespread consideration of evolving strategies have the potential to optimize outcomes after CABG. Such developments include off-pump CABG, clampless/anaortic CABG, minimally invasive CABG with or without extending to hybrid procedures, arterial revascularization, endoscopic vein harvesting, intraprocedural epiaortic scanning, graft flow assessment, and improved secondary prevention measures. In addition, this review represents a framework for future studies by summarizing the areas that need more rigorous clinical (randomized) evaluation.

Clinical and angiographic results after hybrid coronary revascularization

BACKGROUND

With hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR), minimally invasive left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) grafting is combined with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of non-LAD vessels. The purpose of this study was to examine the short-term clinical and angiographic results in one of the largest HCR series to date.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2012, 300 consecutive patients (aged 64±12 years, female 31.7%, predicted risk of mortality 1.6%±2.1%) underwent HCR on an intent-to-treat basis at a single institution. After robotic or thoracoscopic LIMA harvest, off-pump LIMA to LAD grafting was performed through a 3- to 4-cm sternal-sparing, non-rib-spreading thoracotomy. PCI was utilized to treat non-LAD lesions either before, after, or concomitant with the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

Of the 300 patients undergoing HCR on an intent-to-treat basis, HCR was performed with surgery first in 192 patients (64.0%), PCI first in 56 (18.7%), and as a concomitant procedure in 21 (7.0%). Of the 31 patients (10.1%) who did not undergo HCR, 24 patients (8.0%) did not have PCI and thus were incompletely revascularized. For all patients, 30-day mortality, stroke, and nonfatal myocardial infarction occurred in 4 (1.3%), 3 (1.0%), and 4 (1.3%), respectively. Angiographic LIMA evaluation was performed in 248 patients and revealed a FitzGibbon A LIMA patency rate of 97.6% (242 of 248 patients). Repeat revascularization was required in 13 of 300 patients (4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hybrid coronary revascularization represents an alternative approach for patients with multivessel coronary disease with excellent short-term outcomes. It provides a minimally invasive alternative to traditional coronary artery bypass graft surgery and may prove more durable than multivessel PCI.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass in a child with an occlusion of left main coronary artery after arterial switch operation

We present a case of a 13-year old girl experiencing recurring angina pectoris due to an occlusion of the left main coronary artery after arterial switch operation in infancy. To avoid a repeat sternotomy and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, the patient underwent uncomplicated operative myocardial revascularization in the minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) technique.

Why is the mammary artery so special and what protects it from atherosclerosis?

The internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts have been associated with long-term patency and improved survival as compared to saphenous vein grafts (SVGs). Early failure of IMA is attributed to poor surgical technique and less with thrombosis. Similarly, bypass surgery especially with the use of IMA has also been shown to be superior at 1-year as well as over five years compared to percutaneous procedures, including the use of drug-eluting stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The superiority of IMAs over SVGs can be attributed to its striking resistance to the development of atherosclerosis. Structurally its endothelial layer shows fewer fenestrations, lower intercellular junction permeability, greater anti-thrombotic molecules such as heparin sulfate and tissue plasminogen activator, and higher endothelial nitric oxide production, which are some of the unique ways that make the IMA impervious to the transfer of lipoproteins, which are responsible for the development of atherosclerosis. A better comprehension of the molecular resistance to the generation of adhesion molecules that are involved in the transfer of inflammatory cells into the arterial wall that also induce smooth muscle cell proliferation is needed. This basic understanding is crucial to championing the use of IMA as the first line of defense for the treatment of coronary artery disease.