Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)
13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)

Published on: April 24, 2017

Off-pump coronary bypass via left thoracotomy resulting from sternoclavicular arthritis

Hiroshi Imagawa1, Takahiro Shiozaki, Masahiro Ryugo

  • 1Organ Regenerative Surgery, Ehime University School of Medicine, To-on, Ehime, Japan.

Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery : Official Journal of the Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons of Asia
|October 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study presents a successful case of coronary artery bypass grafting via left thoracotomy in a patient with sternoclavicular joint infection. This alternative surgical approach offers a safe option when median sternotomy is contraindicated.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Median sternotomy is the standard approach for coronary artery bypass grafting.
  • Sternoclavicular joint infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose a significant challenge for cardiac surgery.
  • Alternative surgical approaches are needed when sternotomy is not feasible due to infection or other complications.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a sternoclavicular joint infection caused by MRSA.
  • The patient required coronary artery bypass grafting but was not a candidate for median sternotomy.

Findings:

  • Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery was successfully performed using a left thoracotomy approach.
  • The surgery utilized the left internal thoracic artery for the left anterior descending artery and a saphenous vein graft for the circumflex artery.
  • The patient experienced a successful outcome following the procedure.

Implications:

  • Left thoracotomy is a safe and effective alternative for coronary artery bypass grafting when median sternotomy is contraindicated.
  • This approach can be life-saving for patients with sternoclavicular joint infections or other sternotomy-related risks.
  • Further research into minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques for complex cases is warranted.

More Related Videos

Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery09:12

Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Published on: March 27, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...