Concurrent Robotic Hybrid Revascularization Using an Enhanced Operative Suite

Ultrafast Track Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Surgical Revascularization

Objective

Contemporary anesthetic techniques have enabled shorter sedation and early extubation in off-pump and minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. Robotic-assisted CABG represents the optimal surgical approach for ultrafast track anesthesia, with patients able to bypass the cardiac surgical intensive care unit with recovery in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and inpatient ward.

Methods

In-hospital postoperative outcomes from ninety patients who underwent either elective or urgent robotically-assisted CABG at our institution were reviewed. These patients were carefully selected by a multidisciplinary team to undergo fast-track anesthesia: extubation in the operating room, 4-hour recovery in the postanesthesia care unit and transfer to the inpatient ward. Intrathecal, paravertebral local, and patient-controlled anesthesia techniques were used to facilitate transition to oral analgesics.

Results

Average patient age was 61 ± 9 years. Sixty-six patients (73%) were male. Seventy cases were elective, and 20 patients required urgent revascularization. All patients underwent intraoperative angiography after graft construction, which revealed Fitzgibbon class A grafts. There were no in-hospital mortalities. One patient required re-exploration for bleeding, through the same minimally invasive incision, did not require conversion to sternotomy for bleeding, and was transferred to the intensive care unit postexploration for bleeding for standard postoperative care. Postoperative complications were limited to one superficial wound infection. The mean hospital length of stay was 3.5 ± 1.17 days.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing robotic-assisted CABG, ultrafasttrack cardiac surgery with immediate postprocedure extubation and transfer to the inpatient ward has been demonstrated to be safe with no increase in perioperative morbidity or mortality. It requires a dedicated heart team with a carefully selected group of patients. Avoiding cardiac surgical intensive care unit expedites recovery, with possible avoidance of infection and early discharge from hospital.

Consequences of Hybrid Procedure Addition to Robotic-Assisted Direct Coronary Artery Bypass

Objective

Patients postcoronary artery revascularization surgery often receives blood product transfusion, which could delay their intensive care unit and hospital discharge. We investigated our robotic-assisted direct coronary artery bypass (RADCAB) transfusion rate to determine whether performing the minimal invasive coronary surgery with percutaneous coronary intervention in one stage would increase the incidence of blood transfusion, morbidity, and length of stay.

Methods

Between November 2003 and November 2015, 483 consecutive patients underwent RADCAB surgery. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 (147 patients; mean ± SD age, 61.2 ± 11 years; 23% females) underwent robotic-assisted hybrid coronary artery revascularization with left internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending coronary artery with percutaneous coronary intervention to a nonleft anterior descending coronary artery vessel in the same stage. Group 2 (336 patients; mean ± SD age, 61.2 ± 10.5 years; 25% females) underwent nonhybrid RADCAB. Early and late postoperative follow-up at mean ± SD of 83.6 ±11.1 months was obtained.

Results

Blood transfusion rate in group 1 was statistically different, as illustrated in Table 2. Based on the intraoperative cardiac catheterization, the incidence of graft revision was higher in the nonhybrid group. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of renal failure, neurological complication, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and gastrointestinal bleed.

Conclusions

Despite similar preoperative demographics in the two groups, we have observed a significant difference in the blood transfusion rate in group 1. However, this did not lead into a statistically significant re-exploration rate for bleeding. Hence, we assume that dual antiplatelet therapy usage in the hybrid group might be the cause of the increase in blood transfusion rate. Nevertheless, it did not affect postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. A randomized multicenter clinical trial is needed.

Aortic Valve Stenosis and Left Main Coronary Disease: Hybrid Approach

We describe a technique of combined transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), off-pump single coronary artery bypass, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a high-risk patient presenting with unstable angina and severe heart failure. This patient had documented moderate to severe aortic stenosis, left ventricular dysfunction, and a heavily calcified ascending aorta. A robotic-assisted left internal thoracic artery harvesting was aborted owing to inability to tolerate single-lung ventilation. A median sternotomy was done, then successful off-pump single-vessel bypass, PCI, and TAVR were achieved. The patient recovered and was discharged from hospital in stable condition.

Anatomy-based eligibility measure for robotic-assisted bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE

Robotic-assisted endoscopic single-vessel small thoracotomy allows clinicians to perform coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in a minimally invasive manner using the da Vinci Surgical System. Not all patients are suitable for this technique, and the lack of an appropriate method for patient eligibility avoids completion of the procedure robotically. The objective of this study was to develop a patient eligibility method based on the anatomy of the chest of the patient.

METHODS

Preoperative computed tomography thorax scans of 110 patients were analyzed. Two-dimensional measurements taken on the axial images were used with the goal of finding a relation between the anatomy of the patient and the completion of the procedure robotically.

RESULTS

Patients with a distance from the left anterior descending coronary artery to the anterior chest wall of smaller than 15 mm have a 20% probability of requiring conversion of the procedure to open surgery. This probability increases if the chest of the patient is very elliptical, having an anterior-posterior dimension of less than 45% of the transverse dimension.

CONCLUSIONS

The smaller the distance is from the left anterior descending artery to the anterior chest wall, the lower the chances are of completing the procedure robotically.

Combining PCI and CABG: the role of hybrid revascularization

Hybrid coronary revascularization combines the benefits of both percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) by combining the benefits of the LIMA-to-LAD graft and drug eluting stent (DES) to non-LAD regions. Through this approach, a patient receives the long-term benefit of the LIMA graft and avoids the morbidity of a full sternotomy and saphenous vein grafts. Available data related to outcomes following hybrid revascularization is limited to small studies. In this review we seek to provide an overview of hybrid revascularization in the era of modern drug eluting stent technology, discuss appropriate patient selection, and comment on future trial design. Additionally, we review the recent literature pertaining to the hybrid approach.

Clinical outcomes after hybrid coronary revascularization versus off-pump coronary artery bypass: a prospective evaluation

OBJECTIVE

: Hybrid coronary revascularization is offered as an alternative strategy for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). We present our experience and provide a comparative analysis to off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).

METHODS

: Ninety-one patients with multivessel CAD underwent minimally invasive left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending grafting in combination with percutaneous coronary intervention of nonleft anterior descending targets (HYBRID). The primary end point of this study was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as death, stroke, and nonfatal myocardial infarction. MACCE in the HYBRID group were compared with 4175 contemporaneously performed OPCAB operations by logistic (30-day outcomes) and Cox proportional hazards (long-term survival) regression methods. Propensity scoring was used to adjust for potential selection bias.

RESULTS

: The 30-day MACCE (death/stroke/nonfatal myocardial infarction) rate was 1.1% for the HYBRID group (0%/0%/1.1%) and 3.0% for the OPCAB group (1.8%/1.1%/0.5%) (odds ratio = 0.47, P = 0.48). Angiographic left internal mammary artery evaluation was obtained in 95.6% of patients (87 of 91) revealing FitzGibbon A patency in 98.0% (96 of 98). The reintervention rate at 1 year for the HYBRID group was 5.5% (5 of 91) and was limited to repeat percutaneous coronary intervention. Three-year survival was statistically similar for the two groups (hazard ratio = 0.44, P = 0.18, see Kaplan-Meier figure).

CONCLUSIONS

: Hybrid coronary revascularization may be noninferior to OPCAB with respect to early MACCE and 3-year survival in the treatment of multivessel CAD.

Closed chest hybrid coronary revascularization for multivessel disease - current concepts and techniques from a two-center experience

Hybrid coronary revascularization combining minimally invasive coronary surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) allows sternal preserving treatment of multivessel coronary disease. The main principle of the technique includes placement of mammary artery graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and performance of PCI in non-LAD target vessels. This principle is based on increasing data showing equivalent results of PCI with coronary revascularization using saphenous vein grafts in selected patients. Providing that perioperative and long-term results are as good as the results of conventional surgical revascularization, this option seems to be quite appealing for patients and referring cardiologists. This concept has been designed to allow rapid rehabilitation and minimize periprocedural pain under concomitant preservation of the patient's body integrity. Robotically assisted endoscopic approaches for hybrid coronary revascularization set the pace for a closed-chest treatment of multivessel coronary disease. The time point of PCI, the use of different anticoagulation protocols as well as the stent selection are some of the variables, which affect outcome. We additionally report on the midterm results of 130 after-closed-chest hybrid-coronary procedures in two institutions. Hybrid procedures using robotic technology and PCI allow closed chest treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease. Single- and double-bypass grafts are feasible and simultaneous interventions can be performed. The overall safety of the procedure seems to be adequate and perioperative clinical results are satisfactory. Intermediate term survival and freedom from angina are excellent.

Evaluation of antiplatelet effects of a modified protocol by platelet aggregation in patients undergoing "one-stop" hybrid coronary revascularization

"One-stop" hybrid coronary revascularization has emerged to be a reliable and attractive alternative for selected patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. However, the optimal antiplatelet regimen of the one-stop hybrid procedure still remains controversial. We modified the antiplatelet protocol in order to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding and maximally inhibit platelet activity. This study sought to investigate whether the inhibition of platelet activity by this modified antiplatelet protocol is comparable with the conventional protocol widely used and recommended in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Twenty three patients undergoing one-stop hybrid procedure and 20 patients undergoing conventional PCI were enrolled in this prospective study. The modified antiplatelet protocol included perioperative use of aspirin; clopidogrel was administered immediately before PCI with a 300 mg loading dose, followed by a maintenance dose of 75 mg/day for 12 months. Blood samples were obtained before the operation and 2 hours, day 1 and day 3 after operation. Platelet aggregation was induced with: 1) arachidonic acid (AA) (final concentration 0.5 mmol/L) to assess the efficacy of aspirin; 2) adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (final concentration 10 micromol/L) to assess the specific efficacy of clopidogrel. Platelet counts were statistically lower in the hybrid group than in the PCI control group (p = 0.0018) on day 1 after operation. AA-induced platelet aggregation increased significantly in comparison with the preoperative baseline values (p = 0.0079) and the PCI control group (p = 0.0023) on day 1 after operation. ADP-induced platelet aggregation gradually decreased in the hybrid group, and achieved similar platelet inhibition with the PCI group on 2 hours and day 1 after operation. No major adverse clinical events such as death, perioperative myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis or reoperation for bleeding occurred in both groups within 30 days after procedure. These results demonstrate that our modified antiplatelet therapy can sufficiently inhibit platelet activity similarly as the conventional protocol for PCI early after operation. Thus, this modified protocol, with continuous use of aspirin and intraoperative administration of loading dose clopidogrel, might be a safe and effective antiplatelet strategy for the one-stop hybrid coronary revascularization.

Hybrid options for treating cardiac disease

The options for treating heart disease have greatly expanded during the course of the last 2 1/2 decades with the advent of hybrid technology. The hybrid option for treating cardiac disease implies using the technology of both interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery to treat cardiac disease. This rapidly developing technology has given rise to new and creative techniques to treat cardiac disease involving coronary artery disease, coronary artery disease and cardiac valve disease, and atrial fibrillation. It has also led to the establishment of new procedural suites called hybrid operating rooms that facilitate the integration of technologies of interventional cardiology catheterization laboratories with those of cardiac surgery operating rooms. The development of hybrid options for treating cardiac disease has also greatly augmented teamwork and collaboration between interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.

Angiography suite concept for an interdisciplinary centre for cardiovascular interventions

A permanently mounted angiography suite in an operating room (OR) is considered to be a hybrid OR. However, regular use for angiographic interventions is restricted with this setup. We introduce an alternative use of space for the efficient utilisation of an angiographic suite outside the surgical unit. This concept includes three scenarios that describe a modification of the catheter suite according to the specific clinical demands by adapting the workflow.

[Not Available]

Background:

There is a noticeable decline in the number of patients who undergo coronary artery revascularization procedures. The change is definite as it is reported by many centers around the world. This trend is of great concern to cardiac surgeons because of its impact on their practice, its adverse effect on training and the degree of uncertainty it throws into future of the specialty.

Methods:

The data of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the King Fahad Cardiac Center in the period between 1986 and 2006 was examined looking at the changing pattern of management of patients who undergo cardiac catheterization.

Results:

In the early years, angioplasty was attempted in around 10% of patients leaving the rest for surgical consideration or medical therapy. Currently only 15% of patients who undergo selective coronary angiography are referred for surgery. The majority are offered angioplasty and stenting. The trend is towards more catheter-based interventions and less towards surgery.

Conclusions:

Our findings are in agreement with the general consensus about the specialty. Cardiac surgeons should perhaps consider acquiring new skills which may be outside the operating room. Adding catheter based intervention particularly in valves to cardiac surgery training would be a bonus for the future surgeons that will give them the necessary edge to meet the new challenges. It is incumbent on the leaders in the field to establish a clear strategy for the future.

Mini-Abstract:

Impact of advances in invasive cardiology on cardiac surgery, based on actual analysis of the pattern of referrals to surgery of over two decades.

Simultaneous "hybrid" percutaneous coronary intervention and minimally invasive surgical bypass grafting: feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes

Surgical and percutaneous coronary artery intervention revascularization are traditionally considered isolated options. A simultaneous hybrid approach may allow an opportunity to match the best strategy for a particular anatomic lesion. Concerns regarding safety and feasibility of such an approach exist. We examined the safety, feasibility, and early outcomes of a simultaneous hybrid revascularization strategy (minimally invasive direct coronary bypass grafting of the left anterior descending [LAD] artery and drug-eluting stent [DES] to non-LAD lesions) in 13 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease that underwent left internal mammary artery to LAD minimally invasive direct coronary bypass performed through a lateral thoracotomy, followed by stenting of non-LAD lesions, in a fluoroscopy-equipped operating room. Assessment of coagulation parameters was also undertaken. Inhospital and postdischarge outcomes of these patients were compared to a group of 26 propensity score matched parallel controls that underwent standard off-pump coronary artery bypass. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. All hybrid patients were successfully treated with DES and no inhospital mortality occurred in either group. Hybrid patients had a shorter length of stay (3.6 +/- 1.5 vs 6.3 +/- 2.3 days, P < .0001) and intubation times (0.5 +/- 1.3 vs 11.7 +/- 9.6 hours, P < .02). Despite aggressive anticoagulation and confirmed platelet inhibition, hybrid patients had less blood loss (581 +/- 402 vs 1242 +/- 941 mL, P < .05) and decreased transfusions (0.33 +/- 0.49 vs 1.47 +/- 1.53 U, P < .01). Six-month angiographic vessel patency and major adverse cardiac events were similar in the hybrid and off-pump coronary artery bypass groups. A simultaneous hybrid approach consisting of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting with left internal mammary artery to LAD combined with revascularization of the remaining coronary targets using percutaneous coronary artery intervention with DES is a feasible option accomplished with acceptable clinical outcomes without increased bleeding risk.

Trends in cardiac surgery: exploring the past and looking into the future

Today's successes would not be possible without the foundation of yesterday's practitioners and patients. This article assists in the exploration of cardiac surgery procedures, provides a brief historical review of the significant changes in cardiothoracic surgery, and provides an overview of current and future methods of treatment for coronary revascularization and heart failure. It is difficult for one article to encompass all aspects of cardiothoracic surgery. This article highlights many of the transforming moments that have led us to where we are today and explores the current trends of cardiac surgery and possibilities for tomorrow.

Hybrid Coronary Artery Revascularization—Review and Update 2007

Hybrid coronary revascularization is a combination of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. The concept is now 10 years old. Implementation was slow, but major developments have taken place. The surgical part of the procedure can be performed in a totally endoscopic fashion instead of by a mini-incision approach and catheter-based intervention includes the use of drug-eluting stents. Whereas during early development staged approaches were taken, simultaneous interventions have become feasible. Hybrid procedures are an attractive option for high-risk patients or for patients who seek a less traumatic revascularization option.

How to Build a Cath-Lab Operating Room

Recent developments in cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology have led to the installation of integrated operating rooms that allow both surgical and endovascular procedures. These units offer surgical as well as angiographic equipment and personnel and therefore require special planning and design. A variety of integrated procedures can be performed. Hybrid coronary revascularization, percutaneous valve repair, and aortic stent-graft placement are current developments that are ideally performed in a cath-lab operating room. This review by an international working group of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists outlines the challenges involved with implementation of an integrated operating suite and suggests general planning and construction guidelines.

Robotic cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Cardiac surgery, traditionally conducted via median sternotomy, has been recently forwarded by progressively advanced technology facilitating sternal-sparing minimally invasive, access to the heart. Robotic systems, comprised of miniaturized surgical instruments mounted on long thin shafts with multiple degrees of range of motion coupled with a dual camera endoscope providing true three-dimentional high-magnification visualization have greatly propelled this field.

METHODS

The robotic system and the literature base pertaining to robotic cardiac surgery is reviewed in depth.

RESULTS

Robotic cardiac surgical procedures have been performed to repair and replace the mitral valve, bypass coronary arteries, close atrial septal defects, implant left ventricular pacing leads, and resect intracardiac tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

As minimally invasive and robotic surgical technology advances, so proceeds the spectrum of potential applications for robotic cardiac surgery.