Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass graft (CABG) as carried out in Australia is discussed relative to a prospective survey of patient data involving the first 23 consecutive patients to have a MIDCAB procedure with a small left thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. It was found the MIDCAB can be carried out safely without the cardiopulmonary bypass and that patient recovery is faster vs the conventional method.