title: Finding the LAD during MIDCAB operations.
abstract: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is a new surgical procedure that revascularizes the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) without the need for a median sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. This operation is performed through a small left anterior thoracotomy. With this exposure, it can be difficult to locate the left anterior descending coronary artery. We have identified anatomic features on the surface of the pericardium that can serve as a landmark for finding the left anterior descending coronary artery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, USA.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Szwerc
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Magovern
mesh_terms: D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D013908:Thoracotomy