Robotic Off-Pump Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass in Patients With Low Ejection Fraction

Objective: Robotic totally endoscopic coronary bypass (R-TECAB) has been shown to be a safe and effective technique with excellent outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of R-TECAB in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to report our midterm outcomes with up to 7-year follow-up. Methods: All patients undergoing R-TECAB at our institution between July 2013 and July 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 100 patients were identified with low LVEF defined as ≤40%. The preoperative characteristics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes, as well as the midterm results were reviewed. Results: The mean LVEF was 31%, and 62% of all patients had preexisting congestive heart failure. Of the cohort, 59% had 3-vessel disease and 6% underwent previous cardiac surgery. Multivessel TECAB was performed in 54%. Hybrid coronary revascularization occurred in 36 individuals. Two patients required cardiopulmonary bypass, and 35% were extubated in the operating room. No sternotomy conversions were required. One patient underwent reoperation for bleeding. No perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, or mortality occurred. The left internal mammary artery graft patency was 97% at a mean of 1.6 months in the staged hybrid percutaneous coronary intervention group. At midterm follow-up the cardiac-related mortality was 5%. Heart transplant or left ventricular assist device was required in 4 patients, and 1 patient experienced a myocardial infarction. Freedom from major adverse cardiac events was 89%. Conclusions: Off-pump TECAB can be successfully performed in patients with low LVEF in the setting of an experienced and dedicated robotic cardiac surgery team. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of the technique with excellent perioperative and midterm outcomes.