The use of minimally invasive videoscopic technique in large vessel and cardiac surgery. Does the potentially increased difficulty bring benefits to the patient?

Abstract

We present the clinical case of a 63-year-old patient who underwent in the Department of Cardiac Surgery implantation of an aorto-bifemoral graft prosthesis and coronary artery bypass revascularization with application of less invasive off-pump technique. Graft selection (arterial grafts, venous grafts) is very important during qualification for coronary artery bypass revascularization. Minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting was performed during the presented case. The endoscopic technique of vein harvesting is a relatively rarely applied technique during myocardial revascularization surgery. The concept of minimally invasive videoscopic technique is presented. There is a discussion on why the team decided to prolong duration of the case consisting of two major operations performed simultaneously. Minimally invasive videoscopic technique may have a significant positive impact on postoperative outcome in a selected group of patients.