title: Improved exposure for complex left main coronary artery reconstruction.
abstract: Direct surgical repair of left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis by either the right (posterior) or left (anterior) approach can be difficult in case of complex, extensive atheromatous lesions. Complete transsection of both great vessels allows rotation of the heart, with its base facing the surgeon. Patch repair then becomes safe, precise and expedicious. The LMCA arteriotomy can easily be prolonged beyond its bifurcation as needed. Three consecutive patients were successfully operated. We suggest this approach to the surgeon concerned by restoration of a physiologic antegrade flow for his patient with complex atheromatous LMCA lesions.
authors.affiliation: Service de Chirurgie Cardiaque, Hôpital Universitaire Brugmann, ULB, Bruxelles.
authors.forename: F E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Deuvaert
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Demanet
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: De Paepe
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van Nooten
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Primo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged