A simple method for heart stabilization during off-pump multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting: surgical technique and short term results

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery regroups several technical options inclu ding small incision, video-assisted surgery and beating heart surgery but m echanical stabilization for off-pump multi-vessel coronary artery bypass gr afting (CABG), remains a problem. We developed a simple method of stabiliza tion with a fenestrated polytetrafluroethylene patch. Four sutures were pas sed deeply into the myocardium surrounding the anastomotic site. The suture s were then passed through the patch. Gentle traction on tied sutures, allo wed immobilization and exposure in the selected area. This method which was carried in 95 patients, provides good stabilization for performing off-pum p multivessel CABG in all cardiac territories. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.