The Annals of thoracic surgery
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We explored the possibility of anastomosing the left anterior internal mammary artery (LIMA) to the left anterior descending artery in a beating heart via a left anterior small thoracotomy. ⋯ Left internal mammary artery-to-left anterior descending artery anastomosis performed on a beating heart via a left anterior small thoracotomy is a safe procedure. In selected patients the operation has good early and midterm results.
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A previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure may complicate subsequent aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, the operative risks and long-term outcome of patients who undergo these two procedures remain poorly defined. ⋯ Previous CABG poses added technical challenges at the time of reoperation for AVR. The operation can be performed safely, with the expectation of satisfactory long-term survival.