Left thoracotomy for reoperations in myocardium revascularization

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe patient selection criteria, surgical technique and early outcomes in patients undergoing reoperative coronary artery bypass surgery (RECABG) through a left thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Eight patients with patent grafts to the left interventricular coronary artery (four of whom had also patent grafts to the right coronary artery) requiring revascularization of the circumflex coronary system had redo-CABG without CPB through a left posterolateral thoracotomy. RESULTS: There were no in-hospital mortality or serious postoperative complications. All patients are angina-free. CONCLUSIONS: An off-pump redo-CABG through a left posterolateral thoracotomy may reduce risks attributable to resternotomy in patients who met the selection criteria.

Myocardial revascularization; Reoperation; Coronary artery bypass; Thoracotomy