Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review

To minimize surgical morbidity in coronary artery bypass grafting, minimally invasive cardiac surgery has gained popularity. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting offers unique advantages compared to conventional off-pump coronary artery bypass or minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass in that it enables the surgeon to harvest and graft bilateral internal thoracic arteries via a small thoracotomy while being conducted completely off-pump. This review focuses on current evidence behind off-pump coronary artery bypass, multi-arterial revascularization, patient populations that would most benefit from bilateral internal thoracic artery minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting, the surgical technique, and early outcomes. By overcoming the perceived inability to utilize bilateral internal thoracic arteries in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting, the new technique further expands the armamentarium of surgeons and cardiologists. Hybrid coronary revascularization with bilateral internal thoracic artery minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting further augments the appeal of the next generation of minimally invasive cardiac surgery.