Background: Concepts to make coronary artery bypass operations less invasive include minimization of access incisions, elimination of cardiopulmonary bypass, and no manipulation of the aorta. A spectrum of minimally invasive coronary bypass procedures now exist that eliminate the median sternotomy (port-access approach), cardiopulmonary bypass ("off-pump bypass"), or both (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass procedure). Although all have advantages in decreasing the morbidity of myocardial revascularization, significant limitations exist including surgeon experience, access, exposure, visualization, hemodynamic support, and technique of anastomosis.
Methods: In an attempt to extend the applicability of the current minimally invasive techniques, efforts are being made both to extend the indications for the procedure as well as to modify the technical aspects. Our current experimental protocol involves a ports-only approach with three-dimensional video imaging, percutaneous Hemopump circulatory support, Octopus coronary immobilization, and an endoscopically sutured coronary anastomosis.
Results: In a series of animal studies we have been able to successfully accomplish a totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass procedure on a beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass.
Conclusions: Although endoscopic coronary artery bypass without cardiopulmonary bypass is possible, many technical challenges remain. Three-dimensional video imaging, wall motion immobilization and presentation, and an axial-flow device can facilitate the procedure. Future enabling technology including motion robotics and nonvisual imaging systems may ultimately further minimize the invasiveness of surgical myocardial revascularization.