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Published on: March 27, 2018
Plexus between internal mammary graft and pulmonary vasculature after minimally invasive coronary surgery
1Department of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick 08903-0019, USA.
Abstract:
We report a complication associated with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting surgery The patient suffered a nonfatal anterior myocardial infarction 1 day after he underwent minimally invasive bypass grafting using the internal mammary artery. Two months later, coronary arteriography revealed a fistulous connection between the left internal mammary graft and the left pulmonary vasculature. To our knowledge, this particular complication has not been reported following minimally invasive coronary surgery.
Insights
Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting can lead to rare complications. A patient developed a fistula between the internal mammary artery graft and pulmonary vasculature after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Background:
- Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) is an alternative surgical approach.
- The internal mammary artery is frequently used as a graft conduit in coronary artery bypass surgery.
Observation:
- A patient experienced a nonfatal anterior myocardial infarction one day post-MIDCAB surgery.
- Follow-up coronary arteriography revealed an unusual complication two months after the procedure.
Findings:
- A fistulous connection was identified between the left internal mammary artery graft and the left pulmonary vasculature.
- This specific complication has not been previously documented in the literature following minimally invasive coronary surgery.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but serious potential complication of MIDCAB using internal mammary artery grafts.
- Suggests the need for vigilance and potentially further investigation into graft-pulmonary vascular interactions in minimally invasive cardiac procedures.
