An alternative arterial conduit for totally endoscopic multivessel coronary artery bypass

The ultimate goal of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the performance of a totally endoscopic procedure using multiple arterial conduits. At our center we have been routinely performing endoscopic robotic harvesting of internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) for use in minimally invasive CABG. The right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) has been shown to be a reliable and versatile arterial conduit for bypass to coronary vessels not easily accessible by an ITA. The RGEA has already been harvested less invasively through a small laparotomy. This procedure could be made even less invasive by harvesting the RGEA laparoscopically, but this procedure has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to develop an endoscopic technique for harvesting the RGEA and demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this less invasive approach.

Twenty Duroc X Hampshire swine were administered general anesthesia and intubated. Ten mm and 5 mm trocars were then inserted. A 10 mm, 30-degree endoscope was adapted to a voice-activated robotic arm (AESOP), and the RGEA was harvested totally endoscopically using 5 mm harmonic scalpel shears. Intraoperative events and RGEA harvest times were recorded, and RGEA flows were measured after harvest. RGEA was delivered into the pericardial sac endoscopically.

All RGEAs were successfully harvested without injury. Harvest time averaged 29.9+/- 10.9 min. The harvested conduits averaged 24.7+/- 2.37 cm in length. Flows were excellent in all harvested conduits, averaging 81.1+/- 31.8 cc/min. The harmonic scalpel controlled all RGEA branches with excellent hemostasis.

The RGEA can be harvested safely through port access with robotic assistance. This conduit is of sufficient length to be used as an alternative arterial conduit for totally endoscopic multivessel coronary artery bypass.