Anastomotic devices for coronary surgery

Proximal and distal anastomotic devices will play different roles in advancing minimally invasive cardiac surgery. In the wake of the first experiences with the St. Jude Symmetrytrade mark, data will be needed to support new technology adoption. The value of anastomotic technology will be greater in the off-pump and small access coronary techniques. When coronary vascular connectors provide the same or better patency than suture cardiac surgeons will use them for most cases because they will be faster and more reliable. This burgeoning field of anastomotic connectors is already beginning to spill over into other specialties. There is promise for these devices in vascular procedures. It is predicted that similar devices will also be used for bowel anastomoses. With continued evolution of anastomotic devices, it is easy to visualize that in the near future the majority of anastomoses may be performed with a manual or automatic device as opposed to the current conventional suture technique.