Multivessel minimally invasive coronary surgery with endoscopic support.

Background: Interest in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MICAB) grafting and the MICAB experience have been increasing. The purpose of this study was to develop the multivessel minimally invasive coronary revascularization technique and to estimate the effectiveness of the endoscopic support in this operation.

Methods: From January 1998 through April 1999, 190 patients (ages 38 to 72 years) underwent coronary revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass.