First clinical results with a new mechanical connector for distal coronary artery anastomoses in CABG.

Background: Coronary anastomoses are currently primarily carried out with the use of running nonabsorbable sutures. Recently, a renewed interest has developed for facilitated mechanical anastomotic devices especially for minimal invasive techniques or limited access surgery. The initial experience with the first successful creation of mechanical vein-to-coronary artery anastomoses in humans is reported.

The St Jude Medical symmetry aortic connector system for proximal vein graft anastomoses in coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: A new device designed to create proximal vein graft anastomoses to the aorta in coronary artery bypass grafting was recently developed by the St Jude Medical Anastomotic Technology Group (Minneapolis, Minn). This new anastomosis system consists of a nickel-titanium (nitinol) connector, an aortic cutter, and a delivery device.

Methods: The loading of the vein on the aortic connector and its delivery to the aorta are described.