Minimally invasive left anterior descending coronary artery revascularisation in high-risk patients with three-vessel disease.

We reviewed our experience over a 12 month period with using minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) for the management of high-risk patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease. Twenty patients (4 females, mean age 67 years) received left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts to the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Associated co-morbidity included: severe chronic renal failure, severe extensive arteriopathy, chronic obstructive airway disease, poor general condition and severely impaired left ventricular function. There was one early postoperative mortality and no other cardiac-related morbidity. Graft patency investigated, using angiography was 90%, and 5 patients underwent follow-up angioplasty to other coronary arteries. All patients remain entirely angina free at a follow-up period between 3 and 12 months. We conclude that MIDCAB is a safe and effective approach for managing high-risk patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease.