Patient selection for Port-Access (TM) multi vessel revascularization

Minimally invasive multivessel revascularization is rarely per-formed due t o the difficult exposure of the aorta as well as the complete coronary anat omy through a small thoracotomy. The Port-Access(TM) technique bears additi onal contraindications for this procedure, which limits its potential as co mpared with other approaches to 'less invasive surgery'. Our aim was to sho w the applicability of this surgical technique to a wide range of patients with coronary artery disease, in our initial experience with this method (3 1 patients), the quality of anastomoses, graft patency, and clinical outcom e are good, and do not differ from standard multivessel coronary artery byp ass grafting. Port-Access(TM) multivessel revascularization can be performe d safely and is appropriate for a large patient population. (C) 1999 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.