Thoracoscopic internal mammary artery harvesting approach in MIDCAB

Objective To analysis of preoperative preparation,operation,character,advantage and deficiency of two non-robotic TIMAH approach in MIDCAB,and to observe the short-term follow up result.Methods 7 male CAD patients with classic unstable angina pectoris,the age ranged from 52 to 75 years,average (63.8 ± 8.5) years,underwent TIMAH and MIDCAB,in which 6 single LAD disease patients and one patient for reoperation with saphenous vein graft (SVG) graft failure to LAD and progressive obtuse marginal(OM) coronary artery disease.These patients were intubated with a double-lumen endotracheal tube,and one-lung ventilation were used to facilitate the procedure.In the approach of two incisions TIMAH for 4 patients,the thoracoscope was placed at the third intercostals space(ICS) on the anterior axillary line,and LIMA was dissected with endo-instruments placed from the two angles of mini-thoracotomy at fifth ICS on the midclavicular line.In the approach of three incisions TIMAH for 3 patients,LIMA was dissected with endo-instruments placed from two ports at the fourth ICS on the anterior axillary line and at the fifth ICS on the midclavicular line,and the thoracoscope was placed at the second or third intercostals space (ICS) on the anterior axillary line.Anastomosis of LIMA and LAD followed through mini-thoracotomy at fifth ICS with the heart stabilizer after TIMAH.SVG graft was used from LIMA to OM in the reoperation patient.Results All patients underwent TIMAH and MIDCAB safely without transferece to stenotomy,only one LIMA was extended with 2 cm SVG for injure at the distal.In 6 single vessel disease patients the length of mini-thoracotomy incision was (6.0 ± 0.9) cm,TIMAH time was (112 ±18) min,operation time was (293 ± 75) min,bleeding volume was (233 ± 52) ml,endotracheal tube time was (14.2 ± 10.7) h,ICU time was (1.8 ±0.4) d and hospital stay time was (10.1 ±6.7) d.All patients were uneventful discharged and with no recurrence of cardiac symptoms in short-term follow up.Conclusion TIMAH can perform safely in both approaches for LIMA prepare to MIDCAB as described before.The minimally invasive procedure need not enlarge incision for LIMA harvesting with good short term results. Key words: Thoracoscopes ;  Coronary artery bypass, off-pump ;  Surgical procedures, minimally