[Experimental study of coronary artery anastomosis using VCS clips]

The experiment was intended to test the feasibility of VCS clips for coronary anastomosis during minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB). Six dogs were anesthetized under endotracheal intubation and were placed on right lateral position. Three 10.5-mm ports were placed on the left lateral chest wall (3rd, 5th and 7th intercostal space) and the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was dissected completely from its root to bifurcation under thoracoscope. Chest was opened through the left 6th intercostal space. The anastomotic site of LAD was dissected and was then occluded temporally for 5 minutes to obtain ischemic preconditioning. The anastomosis was performed by the following procedure; horizontal mattress sutures of 8-0 polypropylene were placed on heel, toe and the center of both lateral sides. Two VCS clips (8 in total), 0.9-mm in size, were applied between every two sutures. After the measurement of graft flow, the pedicle was transected and an angiography was done. Graft flow was 12-17 ml/min (mean 14.7 +/- 2.1 ml/min) and cineangiogram showed good patency of LITA and no anastomotic stenosis. VCS clips were supposed to have a potential for facilitating port access coronary artery bypass grafting.