The era of hybrid revascularization

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has evolved over the last 50 years since the development of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine by Gibbons in the 1950s. The progress of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) research and development of stents with improved qualities and evolution of CABG led to the birth of the new concept of hybrid revascularization. In the past, median sternotomy to access the heart for CABG has been the gold standard. In recent years, modern technology has brought about the possibility of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, in particular minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery on selected accessible target coronary vessels and simultaneous PCI to other culprit lesions. This collaborative approach has led to cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists working hand in hand to improve overall patient care—the important role of the “heart team.” This paper shall aim to review the development of hybrid revascularization, its roots, the progress and the future.