[A novel instrument for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: traction-type coronary artery stabilizer]

A new instrument for heart stabilization during beating coronary bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass and a clinical experience of off-pump LITA-to-LAD bypass using this mechanical stabilizer are described. This device provide optimal motionless field by traction mechanism in which traction sutures placed proximal and distal to the target coronary artery are tied to the U-shaped foot plate with multiple small holes. The advantages of this stabilizer are as follows; no need of heart compression, ability to displace the target lesion to facilitate anastomosis, reusable, compact size and easy handling. We believe this novel instrument will improve the anastomosis quality in patient undergoing coronary artery bypass without cardiopulmonary bypass.