title: Robotic coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)--the Leipzig experience.
abstract: Technical and anatomical limitations as well as human factors complicate endoscopic coronary bypass surgery. Computer-enhanced telemanipulation systems overcome some of these shortcomings by restoring the dexterity and precision of a distant operator (surgeon) within a confined space. Endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has evolved from a merely experimental approach to a clinical concept. Although CABG was initially exclusively performed on the arrested heart, adjunct technologies such as endoscopic vacuum-assisted stabilizers now allow a closed-chest, beating-heart procedure. The development of anastomotic devices, and further refinements in telemanipulator technology, optical systems, and image-guided augmented-reality scenarios will greatly facilitate endoscopic bypass grafting in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Strümpellstrasse 39, 04289 Leipzig, Germany. falv@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
authors.forename: Volkmar
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Falk
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gummert
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Walther
mesh_terms: D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012371:Robotics; D013536:Suture Techniques