Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass grafting: how I teach it. Annals of cardiothoracic surgery The first robotic cardiac operation was performed more than two decades ago. This paper describes the distinct steps and components necessary for teaching robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (R-MIDCAB). It also provides a general overview of the surgical robotic setup and ways to troubleshoot potential complications. The focus of robotic training is not only on the surgeon but includes an entire dedicated cardiac team and administrative institutional support. This team approach ensures that R-MIDCAB can be performed safely and reproducibly. Meticulous planning, incremental learning, and teamwork are the main factors leading to program success and optimal patient outcomes. Robotic-assisted internal mammary artery (IMA) harvesting and coronary revascularization via a small, anterior mini-thoracotomy has provided an alternative to sternotomy in selected patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Benefits include less postoperative atrial fibrillation, fewer blood transfusion, less time in the operating room (OR), less ventilatory support, fewer strokes, decreased intensive care unit stay and shortened postoperative length of stay all of which manifests as a decrease in institutional resource utilization. Recent data show that R-MIDCAB and hybrid coronary revascularization provides good long-term outcomes. In addition to patient satisfaction, there is an additional overall cost benefit to R-MIDCAB over traditional sternotomy coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), secondary to decreased hospital length of stay. Robotically harvesting the IMA, operating on a beating heart, and performing anastomoses through a small incision all require advanced training and incremental learning. Increased experience generally leads to shortened surgical times and fewer complications. 10.21037/acs-2024-rcabg-0033

Step-by-step technique of robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass. Annals of cardiothoracic surgery Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the treatment of choice for coronary artery disease. The traditional method of performing CABG via a full sternotomy has its drawbacks, including increased postoperative morbidity, a higher incidence of complications, and extended hospitalizations. Although minimally invasive and robotic-assisted technology offer promising alternatives, they have not gained wide acceptance, largely because of the limited amount of literature supporting hybrid and robotic-assisted CABG. Since 2005, Lankenau Heart Institute's cardiothoracic surgical team has been developing and refining for selected patients a method for coronary revascularization that involves robotic harvesting of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and beating heart surgery through a limited minithoracotomy. This technique precisely places the robotic endoscopic port over the target site of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The LIMA is harvested using the enhanced visualization and precision of the robotic platform. The robotic instruments are then removed, and the endoscopic port site is slightly enlarged to become the minithoracotomy, allowing for LIMA-to-LAD anastomosis. The other two robotic ports are used for drains, eliminating the need for additional incisions. The method has been used in over 2,850 patients. The method has been used in over 2,850 patients. This article describes in detail our standardized technique for robotic-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (R-MIDCAB). 10.21037/acs-2024-rcabg-0034