Comparison of Two Surgical Approaches for Coronary Artery Bypass of Left Anterior Descending Artery

Background/Objectives: The minimally invasive approach through left mini-thoracotomy is a promising alternative to the median sternotomy for coronary artery bypass. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) with off-pump coronary artery bypass through sternotomy (OPCAB) for single-vessel disease. Methods: From January 2017 to February 2023, 377 consecutive patients aged above 18 years undergoing off-pump bypass of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with left internal thoracic artery underwent OPCAB. Propensity score matching was then applied. Primary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality. Results: Prior to matching, 30-day mortality occurred in 2 (0.7%) patients in the MIDCAB group vs. 1 (1%) patient in the OPCAP group (p = 1). Transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) was required in 9.4% and 29% of patients within the MIDCAB and the OPCAB groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Median intensive care stay (ICU) was 1 [1-2] day in the MIDCAB group, vs. 2 [1-3] in the OPCAB (p < 0.001). In the matched cohort, 10% of MIDCAB patients received RBCs vs. 27.5% of OPCAB patients (p = 0.006). Median ICU stay was significantly lower in the MIDCAB group, 1 [1-2] vs. 2 [1-3] days. Conclusions: MIDCAB is as safe and effective as OPCAB for single coronary artery bypass of the LAD with the LITA in select patients. It is associated with a decreased ICU stay and lower transfusion rates when compared with OPCAB.