[How to do: initial experiences with a new device in minimally invasive heart surgery].

A special surgical technique is required for minimal-invasive cardiac surgery. The view for the coronary artery anastomosis under beating heart conditions is important and coronary artery blood might prevent a clear view of the opened coronary artery vessel. A new system called VisoFlo promises to improve visualisation at the surgical site. VisoFlo delivers a column of air to help provide a clear view of anastomosis site and in addition has a controllable mist to help prevent desiccation of the graft and surrounding tissue. This system was tested on 45 patients with coronary-artery-bypass graft surgery under beating heart conditions and at 65 patients with standard coronary-artery-bypass graft surgery. Our conclusions are, that the VisoFlo system is easy to use, guarantees a clear view of the anastomosis site and the surgical work will not be impaired.