Robotic Total Endoscopic Coronary Bypass in 570 Patients: Impact of Anastomotic Technique in Two Eras

In coronary artery bypass grafting, including robotic off-pump totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB), the anastomotic technique is the most critical part of the procedure. We reviewed results in 570 patients over a 7-year period and compared outcomes between two eras based on predominant anastomotic technique: connectors vs running suture.

Between July 2013 and December 2020, 570 patients underwent off-pump TECAB: group 1 consisting of 378 patients, from July 2013 to August 2018, using predominantly the C-Port Flex A distal anastomotic stapler (Aesculap); and group 2 consisting of 192 patients, from September 2018 to December 2020, using predominantly a sutured technique (7-0 Pronova; Johnson & Johnson). Retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes was performed.

Off-pump TECAB was completed in 98.8% (563 of 570 patients) with an observed/expected mortality of 0.6% (6 of 570 patients). The anastomotic device was used in 89% of 626 grafts in group 1 and only 11% of 305 grafts in group 2 (P = .001). There were no differences in multivessel TECAB (57% vs 53%; P = .331) or bilateral internal thoracic artery use (50% vs 43%; P = .127) in group 1 vs group 2, respectively. Operative time was shorter in group 1 (242 ± 84 vs 273 ± 88 minutes; P < .001). Early clinical outcomes were similar between groups, except for hospital stay, which was longer in group 1 (2.9 vs 2.3 days; P < .001). Graft patency was similar (98% vs 95%; P = .295) in group 1 vs group 2, respectively.

Changing the predominant approach from stapled anastomosis to a sutured technique during robotic TECAB resulted in longer operative times. Both approaches led to excellent outcomes, including graft patency. The shorter operative times conferred by using staplers may flatten the learning curve and facilitate broader adoption of TECAB.