A step toward nonrobotic total endoscopic coronary bypass grafting: 40 coronary anastomoses in a biomechanical beating heart model

Nonrobotic total endoscopic coronary bypass grafting is commonly considered as technically too difficult. After endoscopic practicing in a simple box model, we questioned this statement in a more sophisticated training model. In a handmade chest model containing a mechanically actuated porcine heart, anastomoses between homologous vein and shunted anterior coronary artery were performed using Prolene 7-0 sutures or U-clips in 20 anastomoses each. Commercially available endoscopic instruments and exclusive two-dimensional endoscopic vision were used. As quality control, the procedures were recorded, flow was measured, indocyanine green dye angiograms were performed, vinylpolysiloxane endocasts were produced, and finally the anastomoses were assessed from the endothelial side. Three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstruction was explored for cast measuring. All anastomoses were completed successfully in a time of 51 ± 14 minutes (Prolene) and 48 ± 10 minutes (U-clips). Despite suboptimal equipment, a reproducible sequence of the procedure was established and documented. Improving surgical performance was reflected in a reduction in anastomotic leakage and time requirement. The quality assessment protocol showed a learning curve and problems itself, which are briefly discussed. A beating heart model is an adamant requirement of training for the technically demanding procedure of nonrobotic total endoscopic coronary bypass grafting. Refinement of the model and quality assessment as well as expansion of training to other regions of the heart should prepare for a cost-effective, broad-based clinical application of nonrobotic endoscopic techniques in coronary surgery. Available high-definition three-dimensional vision systems and the development of appropriate (articulating) instruments will make the procedure safer and quicker and will cut the learning curve.