Current status of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting in China

A rapid increase in conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been seen in China over the past 10 years. Over the past 4 years, increasing numbers of Chinese surgeons have been exploring new techniques to simplify the operation for the surgeon and the patient. Between 1996 and 2000,117 patients had CABG off pump (OPCAB) at Fu Wai Hospital, Beijing. OPCAB procedures have also been reported from several other centres around China. Minimally invasive CABG has been performed in at least four centres in China. Video-assisted CABG and combined CABG angioplasty techniques are also being explored at Fu Wai Hospital.