Ischemic mitral valve reconstruction and replacement: comparison of long-term survival and complications.

OBJECTIVE: This study reviews the 223 consecutive mitral valve operations for ischemic mitral insufficiency performed at New York University Medical Center between January 1976 and January 1996. The results for mitral valve reconstruction are compared with those for prosthetic mitral valve replacement. METHODS: From January 1976 to January 1996, 223 patients with ischemic mitral insufficiency underwent mitral valve reconstruction (n = 152) or prosthetic mitral valve replacement (n = 71). Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 89% of cases of mitral reconstruction and 80% of cases of prosthetic replacement. In the group undergoing reconstruction, 77% had valvuloplasty with a ring annuloplasty and 23% had valvuloplasty with suture annuloplasty. In the group undergoing prosthetic replacement, 82% of patients received bioprostheses and 18% received mechanical prostheses. RESULTS: Follow-up was 93% complete (median 14.6 mo, range 0-219 mo). Thirty-day mortality was 10% for mitral reconstruction and 20% for prosthetic replacement. The short-term mortality was higher among patients in New York Heart Association functional class IV than among those in classes I to III (odds ratio 5.75, confidence interval 1.25-26.5) and was reduced among patients with angina relative to those without angina (odds ratio 0.26, confidence interval 0.05-1.2). The 30-day death or complication rate was similarly elevated among patients in functional class IV (odds ratio 5.53; confidence interval 1.23-25.04). Patients with mitral valve reconstruction had lower short-term complication or death rates than did patients with prosthetic valve replacement (odds ratio 0.43, confidence interval 0.20-0.90). Eighty-two percent of patients with mitral valve reconstruction had no insufficiency or only trace insufficiency during the long-term follow-up period. Five-year complication-free survivals were 64% (confidence interval 54%-74%) for patients undergoing mitral valve reconstruction and 47% (confidence interval 33%-60%) for patients undergoing prosthetic valve replacement. Results of a series of statistical analyses suggest that outcome was linked primarily to preoperative New York Heart Association functional class. CONCLUSIONS: Initial mortalities were similar among patients undergoing prosthetic replacement and valve reconstruction. Poor outcome was primarily related to preexisting comorbidities. Patients undergoing valve reconstruction had fewer valve-related complications. Valve reconstruction resulted in excellent durability and freedom from complications. These findings suggest that mitral valve reconstruction should be considered for appropriate patients with ischemic mitral insufficiency.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: echocardiographic and clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Port access has been described for mitral and bypass surgery. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of aortic valve replacement by use of port access. METHODS: Between 1996 and 1999, 153 port-access aortic valve replacements were performed at our institution. The mean age was 63 years (range 16-91 years); 58% were male. The New York Heart Association mean class was III; 18% were in class IV. Thirteen percent had diabetes, 42% hypertension, 7% prior transient ischemic episode or stroke, 7% lung disease, 3% renal failure, and 13% previous surgery. Echocardiograms were obtained after valve replacement in 125 patients (96 intraoperative transesophageal and 97 transthoracic echoes). RESULTS: Median length of stay was 8 days. There were no intraoperative deaths; 10 patients (6.5%) died in the postoperative period. Stroke occurred in 4 (2.6%), sepsis in 5 (3.3%), renal failure in 5 (3.3%), pneumonia in 3 (2%), and wound infection in 1 (0.7%). Tissue prosthesis was present in 83 and a mechanical prosthesis in 42. No or trace regurgitation was seen on 94 of 96 (98%) postbypass intraoperative echocardiograms and mild on 2. On follow-up echocardiograms, moderate regurgitation was seen in 4 of 97 (4.1%), mild-to-moderate in 2 (2.1%), mild in 18 (18.6%), and no or trace in 71 (73.2%). Of those who had aortic regurgitation on intraoperative or follow-up echocardiograms, it was paravalvular in 8. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with a port-access approach is feasible, even in high-risk patients. Small incisions, a low infection rate, and a short length of stay are attainable. However, the complications associated with traditional aortic valve replacement still occur. Echocardiography is valuable both for intraoperative monitoring and follow-up of this new procedure.

Impact of minimally invasive valvular heart surgery: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The port access (PA) approach for valvular heart surgery is widely used, but few studies evaluating outcomes compared with the sternotomy approach have been performed. METHODS: One hundred nine consecutive patients undergoing PA-isolated valve surgery were compared with 88 matched patients who underwent sternotomy-isolated valve surgery before the institution of the PA program. Case matching was performed by age, surgeon, congestive heart failure, position of operated valve, and history of previous surgery. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that PA was associated with similar hospital mortality (p = 0.62), longer bypass times (p < 0.001), shorter length of stay (p = 0.02), fewer transfusions (p = 0.02), and fewer septic complications (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PA approach for isolated valvular heart surgery provided patients with significantly improved clinical outcomes in their immediate perioperative course. Further studies are required to measure the impact of the PA approach on the patients' recovery after hospitalization.

Minimally invasive versus sternotomy approaches for mitral reconstruction: comparison of intermediate-term results.

BACKGROUND: This study compares intermediate-term outcomes of mitral valve reconstruction after either the standard sternotomy approach or the new minimally invasive approach. Although minimally invasive mitral valve operations appear to offer certain advantages, such as reduced postoperative discomfort and decreased postoperative recovery time, the intermediate-term functional and echocardiographic efficacy has not yet been documented. METHODS: From May 1996 to February 1999, 100 consecutive patients underwent primary mitral reconstruction through a minimally invasive right anterior thoracotomy and peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass and Port-Access technology (Heartport, Inc, Redwood City, Calif). Outcomes were compared with those for our previous 100 patients undergoing primary mitral repair who were operated on with the standard sternotomy approach. RESULTS: Although patients were similar in age, the patients undergoing the minimally invasive approach had a lower preoperative New York Heart Association classification (2.1 +/- 0.5 vs 2.6 +/- 0.6, P <.001). There was one (1.0%) hospital mortality with the sternotomy approach and no such case with the minimally invasive approach. Follow-up revealed that residual mitral insufficiency was similar between the minimally invasive and sternotomy approaches (0.79 +/- 0.06 vs 0.77 +/- 0.06, P =.89, 0- to 3-point scale); likewise, the cumulative freedom from reoperation was not significantly different (94.4% vs 96.8%, P =.38). Follow-up New York Heart Association functional class was significantly better in the patients undergoing the minimally invasive approach (1.5 +/- 0.05 vs 1.2 +/- 0.05, P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate comparable 1-year follow-up results after minimally invasive mitral valve reconstruction. Both echocardiographic results and New York Heart Association functional improvements were compatible with results achieved with the standard sternotomy approach. The minimally invasive approach for mitral valve reconstruction provides equally durable results with marked advantages for the patient and should be more widely adopted.

Late results of isolated mitral annuloplasty for "functional" ischemic mitral insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Repair of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) due to annular deformity and leaflet restriction remains a challenge for the surgeon and lacks well-documented outcomes. We investigated outcomes in the treatment of functional ischemic MR corrected by annuloplasty techniques alone. METHODS: From May 1980 to July 1999, 174 patients underwent repair for functional ischemic mitral insufficiency with annuloplasty alone (128 ring annuloplasty; 46 suture annuloplasty). Acute insufficiency was present in 25 (14.4%). Concomitant procedures included CABG (n = 152; 87.4%). Patients were studied longitudinally with annual follow-up and echocardiograms. RESULTS: Overall hospital mortality was 17.8% and was increased by NYHA Class 4 (23.8% vs. 8.7%; p = 0.011), diabetes (25.0% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.059), and chronic mitral insufficiency (16.4% vs. 8.0%; p = 0.070). Multivariate analysis revealed age (beta = 0.099; p = 0.049) and ejection fraction < 30% (beta = 1.260; p = 0.097) as significant predictors of hospital death. Mean postoperative mitral insufficiency was 0.84 +/- 0.86 (scale of 0-4). NYHA Class 4 (beta = 2.33; p = 0.034) and simple suture annuloplasty (beta = 2.08; p = 0.07) were associated with increased risk of late cardiac death. Cumulative incidence of mitral reoperation was 7.7% at 5 years. At follow-up, 89.7% of patients were in NYHA Class 1 or 2 with 83.4% having none or only mild mitral insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Ring annuloplasty is associated with a survival benefit when compared to simple suture repair in ischemic patients who require annuloplasty alone to correct the MR. Mitral reconstruction with a ring annuloplasty offers durable results in this homogeneous subset of functional ischemic MR patients. Ischemic mitral insufficiency is associated with significant late mortality.

Beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting for left ventricular failure assisted by the Abiomed BVS 5000.

Two cases of postmyocardial infarction cardiogenic shock were treated with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. With the left ventricular function bypassed, beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed. This technique may be useful in the setting of acute myocardial dysfunction where limited coronary revascularization is required.

Robotic-assisted instruments enhance minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: The potential for totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery has been advanced by the development of minimally invasive techniques. Recently surgical robots have offered instrument access through small ports, obviating the need for a significant thoracotomy. This study tested the hypothesis that a microsurgical robot with 5 degrees of freedom is capable of performing an endoscopic mitral valve replacement (MVR). METHODS: Dogs (n = 6) were placed on peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass; aortic occlusion was achieved with endoaortic clamping and transesophageal echocardiographic control. A small left seventh interspace "service entrance" incision was used to insert sutures, retractor blade, and valve prosthesis. Robotically controlled instruments included a thoracoscope and 5-mm needle holders. MVR was performed using an interrupted suture technique. RESULTS: Excellent visualization was achieved with the thoracoscope. Instrument setup required 25.8 minutes (range 12 to 37); valve replacement required 69.3+/-5.39 minutes (range 48 to 78). MVR was accomplished with normal prosthetic valve function and without misplaced sutures or inadvertent injuries. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility of adjunctive use of robotic instrumentation for minimally invasive MVR. Clinical trials are indicated.

Predictors of outcome in a multicenter port-access valve registry.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of outcome in patients undergoing isolated valve operation using port-access techniques. METHODS: Logistic regression analysis was performed in a prospective, multi-institutional registry of patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR, n = 252), mitral repair (MVP, n = 491), or mitral replacement (MVR, n = 568) using port-access techniques from 1997 to 1999. RESULTS: Endoaortic balloon occlusion was used in 2% (AVR), 93% (MVP), and 90% (MVR) of cases. Conversion to full sternotomy occurred in 3.8% of all cases. For all patients, early mortality was 50 of 1,311 (3.8%) and onset of new atrial fibrillation occurred in 140 of 1,311 (11%) patients. The determinants of 30-day mortality were redo, age, and MVR or AVR. The determinants of reoperation for bleeding were age, reoperation, and MVR. Age was a predictor for stroke, and age and low or medium volume center were predictors of new atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent short-term results can be obtained using port-access techniques in isolated mitral or aortic valve operations. Patient outcome is not related to institutional case volume, and the primary determinants of outcome after port-access valve procedures are generally patient-related factors.

Assisted venous drainage presents the risk of undetected air microembolism.

OBJECTIVES: The proliferation of minimally invasive cardiac surgery has increased dependence on augmented venous return techniques for cardiopulmonary bypass. Such augmented techniques have the potential to introduce venous air emboli, which can pass to the patient. We examined the potential for the transmission of air emboli with different augmented venous return techniques. METHODS: In vitro bypass systems with augmented venous drainage were created with either kinetically augmented or vacuum-augmented venous return. Roller or centrifugal pumps were used for arterial perfusion in combination with a hollow fiber oxygenator and a 40-micrometer arterial filter. Air was introduced into the venous line via an open 25-gauge needle. Test conditions involved varying the amount of negative venous pressure, the augmented venous return technique, and the arterial pump type. Measurements were recorded at the following sites: pre-arterial pump, post-arterial pump, post-oxygenator, and patient side. RESULTS: Kinetically augmented venous return quickly filled the centrifugal venous pump with macrobubbles requiring continuous manual clearing; a steady state to test for air embolism could not be achieved. Vacuum-augmented venous return handled the air leakage satisfactorily and microbubbles per minute were measured. Higher vacuum pressures resulted in delivery of significantly more microbubbles to the "patient" (P <.001). The use of an arterial centrifugal pump was associated with fewer microbubbles (P =.02). CONCLUSIONS: Some augmented venous return configurations permit a significant quantity of microbubbles to reach the patient despite filtration. A centrifugal pump has air-handling disadvantages when used for kinetic venous drainage, but when used as an arterial pump in combination with vacuum-assisted venous drainage it aids in clearing air emboli.

Spontaneous progression of ascending aortic intramural hematoma to Stanford type A dissection fortuitously witnessed during an MR examination.

Aortic intramural hematoma may occur as a primary event (spontaneous dissection without intimal flap) or secondary to a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. The management of intramural hematoma of the ascending aorta is somewhat controversial because of limited published data, but some centers advocate early surgical intervention. We describe a patient with an intramural hematoma of the ascending aorta that progressed to a classic communicating dissection during an MR examination. This case graphically demonstrates the potential instability of patients with intramural hematoma of the ascending aorta.

Results of a prospective multicenter study on port-access coronary bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the initial patient series of three institutions performing large volume port-access (PA) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to evaluate the efficacy of this new procedure. METHODS: From October 1996 until June 1998, 302 consecutive patients underwent isolated CABG using the PA approach. Patients (mean age 60.7 years) were predominantly male (77.5%) and received a mean of 2.3 distal anastomoses; few were New York Heart Association class III or IV (15.9%). The distribution of the number of grafts was: 76 (25.2%) single, 110 (36.4%) double, 73 (24.2%) triple, and 43 (14.2%) four or more bypass grafts. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Database data collection form was used prospectively by all three institutions to define patient risk factors and record outcomes. RESULTS: Total 30-day hospital mortality was 0.99% compared to the STS-database-model-predicted risk of 1.2%. Complication rates for the PA CABG patients compared with risk-matched morbidity rates from the STS data for CABG alone were: reoperation for bleeding, 3.3% versus 1.9%; ventilatory support more than 1 day, 1.7% versus 3.8%; stroke, 1.7% versus 1.2%; and perioperative transmural myocardial infarction 0% versus 1.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The STS CABG risk-adjusted model demonstrates that the 30-day mortality for patients undergoing PA CABG is lower than predicted for traditional CABG patients (confidence intervals not available). Likewise, the morbidity was low, with minimal ventilatory support, pulmonary complications, and atrial fibrillation. The port-access technique is an acceptable strategy for multivessel bypass grafting.

First report of the Port Access International Registry.

BACKGROUND: For minimally invasive cardiac operations to be widely applicable, the risks must be equivalent to those of standard open-chest operations. This study analyzed the outcomes of patients recorded in the multicenter Port Access (PA) International Registry to establish operative risks. METHODS: Data were analyzed for intent to treat in 583 patients who underwent PA coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 184 who underwent PA mitral valve replacement, and 137 who underwent PA mitral valve repair at 121 centers. RESULTS: Port Access was attempted in 1,063 patients and completed in 1,004 (94%). The operative mortality rate was 1% for PA CABG, 3.3% for PA mitral valve replacement, and 1.5% for PA mitral valve repair. Perioperative morbidity was low in all categories: stroke = 1.1% to 3.6%, myocardial infarction = 0 to 1%, primary procedure reoperation = 0 to 0.7%, renal failure = 0.2% to 0.7%, multiorgan failure = 0 to 0.5%, and atrial fibrillation = 5% to 7.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Data on 1,063 patients from 121 centers demonstrate that PA CABG and PA mitral valve operations can be performed safely, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to those associated with open-chest operations. Further studies are indicated to establish the long-term efficacy of this method and to analyze its effect on recovery time.

Minimally invasive port access surgery reduces operative morbidity for valve replacement in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Although minimally invasive techniques for valvular surgery have rapidly come into widespread use, whether such an approach can be safely applied to elderly patients remains an open question. To help resolve this issue, we reviewed our experience with minimally invasive port access (MIPA) valve surgery in elderly patients and compared it to the results obtained with the standard sternotomy (STD) approach in the same age group. METHODS: From January 1994 through December 1998, 370 consecutive patients at least 70 years of age underwent isolated aortic or mitral valve surgery at our institution. The standard sternotomy operative approach was used in 259 patients (mean age 77.5 years) and the minimally invasive port access approach was used in 111 patients (mean age 76.0; p=.006). A mitral valve procedure was performed more often in the MIPA patients than in the STD patients (49.5% vs. 35.9%; p < .001). RESULTS: Hospital mortality was comparable in the two groups, 9.7% (25/259) in the STD group and 7.2% (8/111) in the MIPA group (p = .50), as was the incidence of many perioperative complications. The MIPA group, however, had a significantly lower incidence of sepsis or wound complications (1.8% vs 7.7%; p = .027), required less fresh frozen plasma transfusion (median 1.0 unit vs 2.0 units; p =.04), and had a shorter length of hospital stay (11.6 days vs 17.6 days; p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that with appropriate surgical techniques the MIPA approach for isolated valve surgery can be safely applied to the elderly patient population with excellent results. In our initial experience the MIPA approach is associated with significantly less plasma transfusion, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter length of hospital stay.

Utility of transesophageal echocardiography during port-access minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

In this study, we sought to determine the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as the primary imaging technique to assist in the placement of endovascular catheters during minimally invasive, port-access cardiac surgery. The recent development of endovascular catheters that are placed via the femoral artery and vein has enabled patients to be placed on cardiopulmonary bypass without the need for direct visualization of the heart or great vessels via sternotomy. This has allowed cardiac surgery to be performed through smaller thoracotomy incisions. Placement of these catheters has previously been performed with fluoroscopic guidance, which has major imaging limitations. Thirty-six patients underwent port-access cardiac surgery at our institution during the study period. All patients underwent intraoperative TEE. We used TEE to visualize the coronary sinus os, right atrium and superior vena cava, and thoracic aorta to assist with placement of the coronary sinus catheter, venous cannula, and endoaortic clamp. Twenty patients underwent mitral valve surgery, 14 patients coronary artery bypass grafting, 1 patient aortic valve replacement, and 1 patient repair of an atrial septal defect by the port-access approach. TEE was able to adequately visualize the cardiac structures and assist in the placement of the endovascular catheters in all patients. Fluoroscopy was only helpful as an aid to TEE for placement of the coronary sinus catheter. TEE is an excellent imaging modality for the proper placement of these new endovascular catheters, obviating the need for fluoroscopy, except to be on standby and for placement of the coronary sinus catheter.

Minimally invasive port-access coronary artery bypass grafting with early angiographic follow-up: initial clinical experience.

OBJECTIVE: New techniques for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting have recently emerged. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of Port-Access (Heartport, Inc., Redwood City, Calif.) coronary revascularization and to evaluate with angiography the early graft patency rate with this new approach. METHODS: From October 1996 to May 1997, 31 patients underwent Port-Access coronary artery bypass grafting with an anterior minithoracotomy and endovascular-occlusion cardiopulmonary bypass. There were 26 men and 5 women with a mean age of 62 years (range 42 to 82 years). Fifteen patients underwent single bypass; 12 patients underwent double bypass, and 4 patients underwent triple bypass. Bypass conduits included the left internal thoracic artery (n = 30), right internal thoracic artery (n = 2), radial artery (n = 10), and saphenous vein (n = 6). Three sequential grafts were used. Angiographic studies of the bypass grafts were performed in 27 of 31 patients (87%). RESULTS: There were no deaths, neurologic deficits, myocardial infarctions, or aortic dissections. Conversion to sternotomy was not required in any case. There were two reoperations for bleeding, one reoperation for tamponade, and one reoperation for pulmonary embolus. Postoperative angiography revealed anastomotic patency of the left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery in 26 of 26 grafts (100%) with overall anastomotic patency in 43 of 44 grafts (97.7%). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that Port-Access coronary artery bypass can be performed accurately and safely with acceptable morbidity. This approach allows for multivessel revascularization on an arrested, protected heart with excellent anastomotic precision and reproducible early graft patency.

Recent developments and evolving techniques of mitral valve reconstruction.

Experiences with 1,000 patients undergoing mitral valve reconstruction at New York University over the past 18 years are summarized. A continuing follow-up (98% complete) demonstrated that 88% of patients are free from recurrent insufficiency 10 years after the operation. Reconstruction is feasible in nearly 90% of patients with mitral valve prolapse, with an operative mortality near 2%. Accordingly, operation is now recommended at an early stage with the first sign of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, while the patient is still in sinus rhythm. Most operations have been done with the Carpentier techniques of segmental resection with annuloplasty and insertion of a Carpentier ring. Recently, two other repair techniques and a minimally invasive operative approach have been evaluated. A triangular resection of a prolapsing anterior leaflet has been done in more than 100 patients with excellent results. Also, a posterior "folding plasty" has been employed in more than 40 patients with a large redundant posterior leaflet, minimizing the need for annular plication. A minimally invasive approach to the mitral valve has now been employed in 130 patients over the past year, using a right mini-thoracotomy and the Port-Access (Heartport, Inc, Menlo Park, CA) approach. This technique employs catheters introduced through femoral vessels to institute cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest. The operative approach and techniques for mitral valve reconstructive operations continue to evolve, with excellent results and improved patient benefits.

Valve repair versus replacement for mitral insufficiency: when is a mechanical valve still indicated?

OBJECTIVES: Although many advantages of mitral valve reconstruction have been demonstrated, whether specific subgroups of patients exist in whom mechanical valve replacement offers advantages over mitral reconstruction remains undetermined. METHODS: This study examined the late results of mitral valve surgery in patients with mitral insufficiency who received either a St. Jude Medical valve (n = 514) or a mitral valve reconstruction with ring annuloplasty (n = 725) between 1980 and 1996. RESULTS: Overall operative mortality was 7.2% in the patients receiving a St. Jude Medical mitral valve and 5.4% in those undergoing mitral valve reconstruction (no significant difference); isolated mortality was 2.5% in the St. Jude Medical group and 2.2% in the valve reconstruction group (no significant difference). The follow-up interval was more than 5 years for 340 patients with a mean of 39.8 months (98.5% complete). Overall 8-year freedom from late cardiac death, reoperation, and all valve-related complications was 72.8% for the St. Jude Medical group and 64.8% for valve reconstruction group (no significant difference). For patients with isolated, nonrheumatic mitral valve disease, 8-year freedom from late cardiac death and reoperation was better in the mitral valve reconstruction group (88.3%) than in the St. Jude Medical valve group (86.0%; p = 0.05). Furthermore, Cox proportional hazards regression revealed that mitral valve reconstruction was independently associated with a lesser incidence of late cardiac death (p = 0.04), irrespective of preoperative New York Heart Association class. However, the St. Jude Medical valve offered better 8-year freedom from late cardiac death, reoperation, and all valve-related complications than did mitral valve reconstruction in patients with multiple valve disease (77.0% vs 45.3%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, mitral valve reconstruction appears to be the procedure of choice for isolated, nonrheumatic disease, whereas insertion of a St. Jude Medical valve should be preferred for patients with multiple valve disease.

Port-Access coronary artery bypass grafting: technical considerations and results.

BACKGROUND: This study reviews the results of an initial experience with minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery using the Port-Access approach in terms of early outcome and safety. METHODS: Between October 1996 and July 1997 49 Port-Access minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting procedures were performed at our institution. The patients' mean age was 59.8 years (range 34 to 82 years). Sixteen patients received single vessel and 37 patients received multivessel bypass grafts. RESULTS: There were no operative deaths and no perioperative myocardial infarctions, neurological deficits, or conversions to sternotomy. Early complications included reoperation due to bleeding in 4 patients, reoperation for a pulmonary embolus in 1 patient, and angioplasty for occlusion of a right coronary artery graft in 2 patients. Postoperative angiograms were obtained in 86% (42/49) of the patients and showed 100% patency for left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery grafts and 96% patency for all grafts. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that Port-Access coronary artery bypass grafting using endovascular techniques for cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and mortality. This technique allows multivessel revascularization on a protected, arrested heart with excellent anastomotic precision and reproducible early graft patency. Expanded use of Port-Access techniques is indicated in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and the technique should be considered for patients with left anterior descending artery restenosis and patients with complex left anterior descending artery lesions where angioplasty results are suboptimal.