Evaluation of a novel 2 mm internal diameter stainless steel saphenous vein to coronary artery connector: laboratory studies of on-pump and off-pump revascularization.

Objective: A second generation, 'easy-load', 2 mm internal diameter (ID), stainless steel, distal anastomotic device has been developed, and design improvements facilitate rapid connector loading with minimal magnification. The reduced size should allow application to most distal coronary vessels currently grafted. This technology may be useful in off-pump and minimally invasive surgical approaches to coronary revascularization.

Two generations of the St. Jude Medical ATG coronary connector systems for coronary artery anastomoses in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: In the past, coronary anastomoses have been performed using running and, occasionally, interrupted non-resorbable sutures. Recently, special interest has developed in mechanical anastomotic devices to facilitate minimal invasive techniques or limited access surgery. The experience with two series of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the St.

An experimental model of saphenous vein-to-coronary artery anastomosis with the St. Jude Medical stainless steel connector.

Background: A new stainless steel anastomosis device developed by St. Jude Medical Cardiovascular Group was studied in a canine model.

Methods: In 12 dogs, coronary saphenous vein grafts were made to the left anterior descending coronary artery and to the circumflex coronary artery; one anastomosis was completed with the St.