Defining the learning curve for robotic-assisted endoscopic harvesting of the left internal mammary artery.

Objective: Robotic-assisted techniques are continuing to cement their role in coronary surgery, particularly in facilitating the endoscopic harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), regardless of how the subsequent bypass grafting is performed. As more surgeons attempt to become trained in robotic-assisted procedures, we sought to better define the learning curve associated with robotic-assisted endoscopic LIMA harvest.

Methods: Between January 2011 and July 2012, a total of 77 patients underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution.

Does dual antiplatelet therapy affect blood loss and transfusion requirements in robotic-assisted coronary artery surgery?

Objective: Patients who present for coronary surgery often receive preoperative dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a thienopyridine derivative (clopidogrel or prasugrel), especially after a recent acute coronary syndrome. Studies have shown that patients on aspirin and clopidogrel are at increased risk for perioperative bleeding and related events. We sought to examine the impact of dual antiplatelet therapy on bleeding and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing robotic-assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting.

Does body mass index affect outcomes in robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass procedures?

Objective: Obese patients pose unique technical challenges for minimal-access cardiac surgery. We sought to examine the effect of body mass index on short-term outcomes in robotic-assisted coronary surgery.

Methods: From January 2010 to November 2011, a total of 110 consecutive patients underwent robotic-assisted coronary surgery at our institution.