TEMPORARY CORONARY-ARTERY PERFUSION CATHETER DURING MINIMALLY INVASIVE CORONARY SURGERY

Study objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of an intracoronary cannula during minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery. Design: Evaluation of the coronary per fusion catheter was conducted during MIDCAB surgery to determine if th ere was any trauma to the coronary artery. The study was retrospective with 45% follow-up arteriograms. Setting: A community hospital provid ed the setting for the study. Twenty patients undergoing MIDCAB surger y were included. Interventions: Insertion of an intracoronary cannula was performed during MIDCAB surgery. Measurements and Results: Measure ments were determined on 45% follow-up arteriograms, and clinical foll ow-up was done on patient status. Conclusion: The use of an intracoron ary cannula during MIDCAB surgery did not result in any trauma to the cannulated coronary artery. The cannula prevented ischemia of the serv ice area of the target coronary artery. ECG changes were avoided as we re hypotension and arrhythmias. The cannula also helped stabilize the target coronary area during suturing.