Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass: Current experience

Background: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) via a small incision has been performed for revascularization of the left anterior descending artery with the left internal mammary artery. In this study, we analyzed outcome in patients who underwent MIDCAB. Methods: Between June 1997 and July 2002, a total of 125 patients (96 men and 29 women; mean age, 65.1+/-9.6 years) underwent MIDCAB. Perioperative and follow-up data were entered into a structured database. Results: Coronary anastomosis time was 17.0+/-5.0 minutes. Mean intubation period, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative hospital stay were 4.0+/-2.8 hours, 1.3+/-0.8 days, and 9.7+/-4.6 days, respectively. There were no hospital deaths or cases of postoperative heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal failure, prolonged ventilation (>2 days), or stroke. During the follow-up period of 3.3+/-1.5 years, 12 patients developed angina, and there were 10 deaths. The actuarial 3-year survival rate was 92.6%, and the event-free rate was 87.1%. Conclusion: MIDCAB can be performed with early recovery with minimum mortality and morbidity. The long-term results after MIDCAB are acceptable.