The Annals of thoracic surgery
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The concepts of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting have gained increasing attention and interest from cardiac surgeons. Operations through small incisions are mostly applied to patients with less extensive coronary disease, mostly single-vessel disease. The aim of this study was to identify a baseline level of conventional coronary bypass grafting for this group of patients, particularly with regard to surgical complications and immediate results. ⋯ For this highly selected group of patients, coronary artery bypass grafting based on median sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and cardioplegic arrest carries a very high rate of immediate success. Such data may be useful as a baseline when considering the costs and benefits of new surgical procedures.
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The method of replacing the aortic valve via a minithoracotomy has been reported in the recent literature. Although this strategy has clear advantages, further refinements of the process make the procedure even less invasive. ⋯ The advantages of this method include further reduction of surgical trauma, early mobilization, and rehabilitation of the patient. Surgical technical improvements include avoidance of groin cannulation, simpler equipment, safe venting of the left ventricle, and preservation of chest wall integrity.