Improved method for direct coronary grafting without CPB via anterolateral small thoracotomy

We describe an improved method of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting that facilitates the anastomosis on the beating heart by means of a rigid and simple coronary stabilizer This technique permits anastomosis of the left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery through a small (8 to 10 cm) left anterolateral thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. We successfully used this technique in 20 primary coronary artery bypass grafting operations, without in-hospital mortality or any other cardiac complication. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.