Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting: midterm results and quality of life

Background. There is increasing interest in minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCABG); however, there is still little information about midterm results and postoperative quality of life. Methods. From March 1995 to March 1998, 64 patients underwent MIDCABG at our hospital. Their mean age was 60 ± 9.5 years; 22 (34.4%) had unstable angina. All patients were followed-up by both direct visit and questionnaire to assess the postoperative quality of life. Results. There were no perioperative deaths nor conversions to sternotomy; the perioperative myocardial infarction rate was 1/64 (1.6%). Predischarge angiography showed overall and unobstructed patency rates of 96.8% (62 of 64) and 93.8% (60 of 64), respectively. At follow-up (25 ± 11.4 months) actuarial survival was 100%, and survival free of myocardial infarction was 98.4% ± 1.6% at 3 years. Both the Physical Activity Score and the Psychological General Well-being Index improved significantly after the operation, with percentage improvements of 31% and 23%, respectively, at 12 months postoperatively. Conclusions. In selected patients MIDCABG can be a reliable and safe option. Patients who undergo this procedure are free of major complications and enjoy a good quality of life after surgery.