Initiation and modification of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) via a small left thoracotomy has been proposed as an alternative to standard coronary artery bypass grafting. However, this technique is still limited to skillful surgeons. Off-pump multi-vessel bypass grafting and the use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries are particularly challenging via a small thoracotomy, while they are widely performed via a full median sternotomy. The purpose of this review is to serve as a guide for the proper introduction of MICS CABG in the current era. We examine the advances, current techniques, outcomes and learning curves of MICS CABG and discuss the safe introduction.