Robotically assisted, completely endoscopic transmyocardial revascularization is feasible.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of an endoscopic, optical-fiber-based, laser delivery system (LDS) developed to perform sole-therapy transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) in a totally endoscopic, robotically assisted operation.

METHODS: Forty-two patients were enrolled in a multicenter, prospective, single-arm clinical trial conducted at four US centers between 2005 and 2007. Transmyocardial revascularization was performed completely endoscopically with robotic assistance, introducing the Holmium:Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) LDS via a 5-mm port. Completion of the operation endoscopically defined procedural success. Clinical data were recorded before, during, and at least 30 days after the procedure.

RESULTS: All patients had Canadian Cardiovascular Score angina class IV at baseline. The mean ejection fraction was 49% (range [R], 28-71), the mean age was 59.1 years (R, 36-80), 71% (30/42) were men, 86% (36/42) underwent previous coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, and 76% (32/42) underwent prior coronary stenting. Procedural success was accomplished in 93% (39/42). For the procedural successes, the mean number of TMR channels was 32 (R, 16-50), the median operative time was 88 minutes (R, 48-250 minutes), and the median length of stay postoperatively was 2.5 days (R, 1-10). There was no operative or 30-day mortality, and no patient received any transfusion. At 30 days, freedom from major adverse cardiac events was 95% (two patients had transient congestive heart failure). At the median 6-month follow-up (single-center data, n = 12), the mean (SD) Canadian Cardiovascular Score angina score was 1.3 (0.05) (P < 0.001 vs baseline).

CONCLUSIONS: Robotically assisted TMR can be performed using an endoscopic, optical-fiber-based LDS, with high procedural success, avoidance of early adverse clinical events, and potential for successful angina relief.