MINIMALLY INVASIVE REOPERATION THROUGH A LATERAL THORACOTOMY FOR CIRCUMFLEX CORONARY-ARTERY BYPASS

We report 4 cases of redo coronary artery bypass grafting in which the circumflex coronary artery was successfully revascularized using a mi nimally invasive approach. In reoperative cases, it is easier to appro ach the circumflex coronary artery from the left side than from he fro nt. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass technology has ma de if possible to avoid using cardiopulmonary bypass. in our 4 cases, the revascularization procedure was performed via a small left thoraco tomy, and without cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients made a good rec overy and are free of angina 22 months after operation. We conclude th at the thoracotomy approach provides the opportunity to avoid several hazards: a redo sternotomy, dissection of a hostile mediastinum, and m anipulation of the heart.