A survey on minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting

There is increasing interest in performing minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting. To evaluate the current level of acceptance and utility of this procedure a survey of 162 cardiothoracic surgeons was conducted.

Currently only 16% of surveyed surgeons performed more than 10 minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. Most were less than 55 years old and in private practice. The majority predicted that it will be indicated in less than 25% of coronary artery bypass grafting cases and considered minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting a modification of existing techniques rather than investigational. Most believed exposure and stabilization of the coronary arteries on the beating heart to be the most challenging part and expressed concern with quality of the anastomosis.

We conclude that minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting is rapidly gaining acceptance in younger surgeons as techniques are improved. Despite concerns with adequacy of anastomosis the procedure is not considered investigational and follow-up is not rigorous.