[Coronary reoperation through left thoracotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass: 3 case reports]

Abstract

With the increasing number of patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting, the incidence of reoperative coronary grafting is also increasing. Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with morbidity and mortality rates greater than those of primary coronary operations. Left thoracotomy can provide access for reoperation when repeat median sternotomy is extremely dangerous. Coronary artery grafting on a beating heart and via left thoracotomy can be a good alternative strategy when redo coronary surgery is necessary in the circumflex or left anterior descending territories.