Coronary revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with pectus excavatum

Background. Coronary revascularization in patients with pectus excavatum is technically difficult through a median sternotomy secondary to the posterior displacement of the sternum and the asymmetric angulation that it produces. The role of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCABG) in this subset of patients was evaluated. Methods. In 1998, four patients with pectus excavatum underwent revascularization of the left anterior descending artery without cardiopulmonary bypass through a left anterior minithoracotomy. Results. All patients underwent the procedure without intraoperative complications and postoperative angiography demonstrated adequate graft patency. Conclusions. The advantages of MIDCABG in patients with pectus excavatum is the superior exposure to the LAD and LIMA and avoidance of a median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. This procedure is deemed safe and effective in patients with such deformities of the chest wall. (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.