title: Robotically enhanced coronary artery bypass grafting: the feasibility and clinical outcome of 196 procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of robotically enhanced myocardial revascularization and to present the clinical outcome of 196 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  All internal thoracic arteries were harvested with the aid of a robotic surgical system. While off-pump revascularization techniques were mostly used, peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass was needed in some cases with multivessel disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A single (n = 118) or multivessel (n = 74) coronary revascularization was performed. Four patients had to be converted to median sternotomy. There was no operative mortality. Follow-up was complete in 88% (n = 169) patients. The rate of freedom from ischaemic symptoms was 98.2% at mean 22 +/- 3 months. Graft patency was 96.4% (81/84).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By increasing surgical capabilities, robotically enhanced CABG in single or multivessel coronary disease was safe, effective and reasonable. It can be an alternative approach to percutaneous methods and conventional surgical techniques, or even used in acute coronary events.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul Bilim University, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. caynakbaris@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Baris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Caynak
authors.forename: Ertan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sagbas
authors.forename: Burak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Onan
authors.forename: Ismihan Selen
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Onan
authors.forename: Ilhan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sanisoglu
authors.forename: Belhhan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Akpinar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D047549:Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome