Subcostal bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting with the da Vinci Single Port system: an experimental feasibility study.

We evaluated the feasibility of harvesting bilateral internal thoracic arteries with the da Vinci Single Port system (SP) through a single left-sided subcostal incision. Complete bilateral mobilization with sufficiently long conduits for multivessel grafting was possible in 2 human cadavers and 2 live porcine. Creating the subcostal access and docking the SP system took between 14 and 21 min and the total harvest time ranged from 65 to 125 min in all models.

Updates in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery for General Surgeons.

Significant improvement and development have occurred in minimally invasive cardiac surgery over the past 20 years. Although most studies have consistently demonstrated equivalent or improved outcomes compared with conventional cardiac surgery, with significantly shorter recovery times, adoption continues to be limited. In addition, cost data have been inconsistent.

Target vessel detection and coronary anastomosis assessment by intraoperative 12-MHz ultrasound.

Purpose: Our aim was to assess whether the left internal mammary artery, left anterior descending artery, and anastomosis could be visualized by intraoperative ultrasound for safe graft harvesting, optimal anastomotic target selection, and quality control.

Description: In 10 patients, the left internal mammary artery, the left anterior descending artery, and the constructed anastomosis were scanned with 12-MHz epicardial ultrasound. Anastomosis quality was assessed on ultrasound and compared with surgeon score.