IMPROVED METHOD FOR DIRECT CORONARY GRAFTING WITHOUT CPB VIA ANTEROLATERAL SMALL THORACOTOMY

We describe an improved method of minimally invasive coronary artery b ypass grafting that facilitates the anastomosis on the beating heart b y means of a rigid and simple coronary stabilizer This technique permi ts anastomosis of the left internal mammary artery to the left anterio r descending coronary artery through a small (8 to 10 cm) left anterol ateral thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. We successfully use d this technique in 20 primary coronary artery bypass grafting operati ons, without in-hospital mortality or any other cardiac complication. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.