Lateral MIDCAB grafting via limited posterior thoracotomy.

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is a technique for coronary artery bypass grafting performed under direct vision without sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. The approach has been used principally for primary single vessel grafting of the anterior or inferior coronary circulation. This initial experience presents a new lateral technique for patients with isolated circumflex coronary disease which can be used for both primary and reoperative revascularization with either saphenous vein or a free radial artery conduit.