mPAP/CO Slope and Oxygen Uptake Add Prognostic Value in Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines redefined exercise pulmonary hypertension as a mean pulmonary artery pressure/cardiac output (mPAP/CO) slope >3 mm Hg·L-1·min-1. A peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure >60 mm Hg during exercise has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, heart failure rehospitalization, and aortic valve replacement in aortic valve stenosis. The prognostic value of the mPAP/CO slope in aortic valve stenosis remains unknown. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, consecutive patients (n=143; age, 73±11 years) with an aortic valve area ≤1.5 cm2 underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with echocardiography. They were subsequently evaluated for the occurrence of cardiovascular events (ie, cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, new-onset atrial fibrillation, and aortic valve replacement) during a follow-up period of 1 year. Findings were externally validated (validation cohort, n=141). RESULTS: One cardiovascular death, 32 aortic valve replacements, 9 new-onset atrial fibrillation episodes, and 4 heart failure hospitalizations occurred in the derivation cohort, whereas 5 cardiovascular deaths, 32 aortic valve replacements, 1 new-onset atrial fibrillation episode, and 10 heart failure hospitalizations were observed in the validation cohort. Peak aortic velocity (odds ratio [OR] per SD, 1.48; P=0.036), indexed left atrial volume (OR per SD, 2.15; P=0.001), E/e' at rest (OR per SD, 1.61; P=0.012), mPAP/CO slope (OR per SD, 2.01; P=0.002), and age-, sex-, and height-based predicted peak exercise oxygen uptake (OR per SD, 0.59; P=0.007) were independently associated with cardiovascular events at 1 year, whereas peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure was not (OR per SD, 1.28; P=0.219). Peak Vo2 (percent) and mPAP/CO slope provided incremental prognostic value in addition to indexed left atrial volume and aortic valve area (P<0.001). These results were confirmed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In moderate and severe aortic valve stenosis, mPAP/CO slope and percent-predicted peak Vo2 were independent predictors of cardiovascular events, whereas peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure was not. In addition to aortic valve area and indexed left atrial volume, percent-predicted peak Vo2 and mPAP/CO slope cumulatively improved risk stratification.

Aortic Valve Replacement: Totally Endoscopic versus Mini-Sternotomy.

(1) Background: The development of totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement has the potential to enhance clinical results compared to mini-sternotomy. To our knowledge, no comparison between these two techniques has been conducted before. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective study is to examine the results after both totally endoscopic and mini-sternotomy approaches. (2) Methods: This study covered all elective patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement, either totally endoscopically (n = 392) or through a mini-sternotomy (n = 323), between 2013 and 2021. Multivariable analysis was used to account for baseline variations between the two groups. All data were retrospectively gathered and analysed. The primary objective of this study was the one-year mortality rate. (3) Results: The mean aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass times were significantly longer in the totally endoscopic approach (cross-clamping: 43.73 ± 13.71 min and 61.93 ± 16.76 min, p-value < 0.001; CPB time: 64.86 ± 23.02 min and 93.23 ± 23.67 min, p-value < 0.001). However, perioperative bleeding was lower (706.40 ± 542.77 mL and 444.50 ± 515.84 mL, p-value < 0.001). The primary objective, one-year survival, did not significantly differ between both groups (Mini-AVR: 94.5% vs TEAVR: 93.3%, p-value = 0.520). (4) Conclusions: Our results show that totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement has comparable clinical results compared to aortic valve replacement through mini-sternotomy.

Serratus plane block versus standard of care for pain control after totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement: a double-blind, randomized controlled, superiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: Serratus anterior plane block has been proposed to reduce opioid requirements after minimally invasive cardiac surgery, but high-quality evidence is lacking. METHODS: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial recruited patients undergoing totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement. Patients in the intervention arm received a single-injection serratus anterior plane block on arrival to the intensive care unit added to standard of care. Patients in the control group received routine standard of care, including patient-controlled intravenous analgesia. Primary outcome was piritramide consumption within the first 24 hours after serratus anterior plane block placement. We hypothesized that compared with no block, patients in the intervention arm would consume 25% less opioids. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were analyzed (n=38 in intervention arm, n=37 in control arm). When comparing the serratus anterior plane group with the control group, median 24-hour cumulative opioid use was 9 (IQR 6-19.5) vs 15 (IQR 11.3-23.3) morphine milligram equivalents, respectively (p<0.01). Also, pain scores at 4, 8 and 24 hours were lower in the intervention arm at 4, 8 and 24 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION: Combined deep and superficial single-injection serratus anterior plane block is superior to standard of care in reducing opioid requirements and postoperative pain intensity up to 24 hours after totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04699422.

Patient-Centred Outcomes after Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery: One-Year Follow-Up.

Patient-centred outcomes have grown in popularity over recent years in surgical care research. These patient-centred outcomes can be measured through the health-related quality of life (HRQL) without professional interpretations. In May 2022, a study regarding patient-centred outcomes up to 90 days postoperatively was published. Fourteen days after surgery, the HRQL decreased and returned to baseline levels after 30 days. Next, the HRQL significantly improved 90 days postoperatively. However, this study only focuses on a short-term follow-up of the patients. Hence, this follow-up study aims to assess the HRQL one year after totally endoscopic cardiac surgery. At baseline, 14, 30, and 90 days, and one year after surgery, the HRQL was evaluated using a 36-item short form and 5-dimensional European QoL questionnaires (EQ-5D). Using the 36-item short form questionnaire, a physical and mental component score is calculated. Over the period of one year, this physical and mental component score and the EQ-5D index value significantly improve. According to the visual analogue scale of the EQ-5D, patients score their health significantly higher one year postoperatively. In conclusion, after endoscopic cardiac surgery, the HRQL is significantly improved 90 days postoperatively and remains high one year afterward.

Quality of life in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery: a systematic review.

Objective: Minimally invasive procedures have been developed to reduce surgical trauma after cardiac surgery. Clinical recovery is the main focus of most research. Still, patient-centred outcomes, such as the quality of life, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the surgery on the patient's life. This systematic review aims to deliver a detailed summary of all available research investigating the quality of recovery, assessed with quality of life instruments, in adults undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Methods: All randomised trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies assessing the quality of recovery in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery compared to conventional cardiac surgery within the last 20 years were included, and a summary was prepared. Results: The randomised trial observed an overall improved quality of life after both minimally invasive and conventional surgery. The quality of life improvement in the minimally invasive group showed a faster course and evolved to a higher level than the conventional surgery group. These findings align with the results of prospective cohort studies. In the cross-sectional studies, no significant difference in the quality of life was seen except for one that observed a significantly higher quality of life in the minimally invasive group. Conclusions: This systematic review indicates that patients may benefit from minimally invasive and conventional cardiac surgery, but patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery may recover sooner and to a greater extent. However, no firm conclusion could be drawn due to the limited available studies. Therefore, randomised controlled trials are needed.

Incidence, predictors and vascular sequelae of distal limb ischemia in minimally invasive cardiac surgery with femoral artery cannulation: an observational cohort study.

Literature regarding monitoring and consequences of distal limb ischemia due to femoral artery cannulation for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS) remains limited. The primary objective was to determine its incidence, defined as a ≥ 15% difference in regional Oxygen Saturation (rSO2) lasting ≥ four consecutive minutes between the cannulated and non-cannulated limb. The secondary objectives included: determination of distal limb ischemia, defined as a Tissue Oxygenation Index (TOI) < 50% in the cannulated limb, identification of predictors for distal limb ischemia, determination of a possible association of NIRS-diagnosed ischemia with acute kidney injury, and the need for vascular surgery up to six months after cardiac surgery. A prospective, observational cohort study with blinded rSO2-measurements to prevent intraoperative clinical decision-making. A single-center, community-hospital, clinical study. All consecutive patients ≥ 18 years old, and scheduled for predefined MICS. Patients underwent MICS with bilateral calf muscle rSO2-measurements conducted by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). In total 75/280 patients (26.79%) experienced distal limb ischemia according to the primary objective, while 18/280 patients (6.42%) experienced distal limb ischemia according to the secondary objective. Multivariate logistic regression showed younger age to be an independent predictor for distal limb ischemia (p = 0.003). None of the patients who suffered intraoperative ischemia required vascular surgery within the follow-up period. The incidence of NIRS-diagnosed ischemia varied from 6.4% to 26.8% depending on the used criteria. Short and long-term vascular sequelae, however, are limited and not intraoperative ischemia related. The added value of intraoperative distal limb NIRS monitoring for vascular reasons seems limited. Future research on femoral artery cannulation in MICS should shift focus to other outcome parameters such as acute kidney injury, postoperative pain or paresthesias.

Predictors of poor outcome in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify risk factors associated with ICU mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated with Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We also aimed to assess protocol violations of the local eligibility criteria of ECMO initiation. METHODS: All 31 consecutive adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to ICU and treated with ECMO from March 13th 2020 to 8 December 2021 were enrolled. Eligibility criteria for ECMO initiation were: P/F-ratio<50 mmHg >3 hours, P/F-ratio<80 mmHg >6 hours or pH<7.25 + PaCO2>60 mmHg >6 hours, despite maximal protective invasive ventilation. Primary outcome was ICU mortality. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of ICU mortality. RESULTS: 12 out of 31 patients (38.7%) did not survive ECMO treatment in ICU. Half of the non-survivors suffered from acute kidney failure compared to 3 out of 19 survivors (15.79%) (p = .04). Half of the non-survivors required CRRT treatment versus 1 patient in the survivor group (5.3%) (p < .01). Higher age (2.45 (0.97-6.18), p = .05), the development of AKI (5.33 (1.00-28.43), p = .05), need of CRRT during ICU stay (18.00 (1.79-181.31), p = .01) and major bleeding during ECMO therapy (0.51 (0.19-0.89), p < .01) were identified to be predictors of ICU mortality. CONCLUSION: Almost 60% of patients could be treated successfully with ECMO with sustained results at 3 months. Predictors for ICU mortality were development of AKI and need of CRRT during ICU stay, higher age category and major bleeding. Inadvertent ECMO allocation was noted in almost one in five patients.

A totally endoscopic approach for aortic valve surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to describe a new approach for totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement. METHODS: From October 2017 through December 2020, a total of 266 consecutive patients underwent totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement. Reoperations and combinations were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 266 patients with a median age of 72 (64, 79) years underwent totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement; of these, 250 (93.98%) patients were designated to undergo surgery because of aortic valve stenosis. The median follow-up index was 0.69 (0.30, 0.90). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events occurred in 4 (1.50%) patients within 30 days. Overall hospital mortality was 1.50%. Twenty additional deaths (7.52%) occurred during the 3-year follow-up period. An early thoracoscopic revision was needed in 7 patients due to signs of bleeding or cardiac tamponade. Fourteen patients required a permanent pacemaker implant. CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective analysis of our early experience with totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement in 266 consecutive patients demonstrated satisfactory results, with low mortality and acceptable morbidity rates.

Thoracoscopic management of iatrogenic cardiac perforations.

AIMS: Iatrogenic cardiac perforation is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of invasive cardiac procedures. When nonsurgical management fails, urgent cardiac surgery is required. The standard surgical approach is usually through full sternotomy. However, we propose a less invasive and equally effective technique with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). METHODS: This single-center retrospective study in a tertiary hospital identified all patients requiring surgical intervention due to iatrogenic cardiac perforation over a period of 5 years. Patients were grouped by surgical approach, being either sternotomy or VATS. Primary endpoints were operating time, length of ICU stay, hospital stay, 30-day mortality, and all-round mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were identified: 11 in the sternotomy group and 14 in the VATS-group. Preoperative baseline characteristics were equal. Significant difference was found for 30-day mortality (p < .05). There was no difference for the other endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: VATS is a promising alternative to standard sternotomy for iatrogenic cardiac perforations after invasive cardiac procedures.

90-Day Patient-Centered Outcomes after Totally Endoscopic Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Over the past years, minimally invasive procedures have been developed to reduce surgical trauma after cardiac surgery. The value of patient-centered outcomes, including the quality of recovery after hospital discharge, is increasingly recognized. Identifying meaningful changes in postoperative function that might have a negative impact on patients without noticeable complications can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact on the patient's life. In total, 209 patients were included in this trial. Of these, 193 patients underwent totally endoscopic cardiac surgery, 8 underwent cardiac surgery through a sternotomy, and 8 underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Patients who previously underwent cardiac surgery were excluded. Quality of life was determined through the Short Form 36 and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaires before the surgery and 14, 30, and 90 days afterward. In patients who underwent totally endoscopic cardiac surgery, the quality of life improved over the three time periods. The different domains of the questionnaire evolved in a positive manner. However, 14 days postoperatively, a decline in quality of life was noted, followed by a return to baseline at 30 days and an increase at 90 days. In conclusion, totally endoscopic cardiac surgery improves the quality of life 90 days after surgery.

Clinical results after hybrid coronary revascularization with totally endoscopic coronary surgery.

BACKGROUND: The optimal revascularization strategy remains uncertain in multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD). The durability of the surgical grafts should be weighed against the decreased invasiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR), a combination of PCI and surgery, could be a feasible alternative. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and all-cause mortality after both endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo-CABG) and the HCR procedure. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective observational study, 347 consecutive patients have been subjected to an Endo-CABG procedure, of which 103 underwent HCR between January 2016 and January 2018. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to match 103 Endo-CABG alone patients to the 103 HCR patients. The Endo-CABG procedure was performed through 3 endoscopic ports (5 mm) in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th intercostal space and a utility port of 3 cm. RESULTS: In both the HCR and matched endo-CABG alone group, the 30-day mortality was acceptable (0% in the HCR group and 1.94% in the matched Endo-CABG alone group, p = 0.155). Additionally, the occurrence of MACCE after a mean follow-up of 1188 ± 538 days was similar in both groups (9.71% and 11.65% for the HCR and matched Endo-CABG alone group, respectively, p = 0.652). Still, the long-term all-cause mortality over this period was significantly higher in the matched Endo-CABG alone group (2.91% after the HCR procedure and 11.65% after matched Endo-CABG alone, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: HCR has some advantages over Endo-CABG alone regarding the all-cause mortality, cross-clamping time, intensive care unit, and hospital length of stay. Therefore, HCR may be a suitable alternative therapy for patients with MVCAD.

Minimal access compared to sternotomy for aortic root and arch surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Partial upper sternotomy is an established technique for aortic valve surgery in numerous centers. Based on the favorable results, this access can be extended for more complex procedures. We assessed the outcomes of aortic root and arch surgery through partial versus full sternotomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2020, 100 patients underwent proximal aortic surgery. The minimal access approach was used in 73 patients. Operative variables and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared between both groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in cross-clamping and extracorporeal circulation times, as well as no difference in postoperative acute renal failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, and re-exploration for bleeding. However, there was a significant difference in favor of partial upper sternotomy in red blood cell transfusion (0 vs. 234 mL; p = 0.01), postoperative drainage volume (300 vs. 750 mL; p < 0.001), ventilation time (median 3 vs. 24 h; p < 0.001), sepsis (1 [1.4%] vs. 4 [14.8%]; p = 0.02), intensive care unit (median 2 vs. 4 days; p = 0.002) and hospital stay (median 7 vs. 10 days; p < 0.001). Only one patient required intraoperative conversion due to massive bleeding. There was no difference in 30-day mortality between both groups. CONCLUSION: The partial upper sternotomy approach is safe and feasible for aortic root and arch surgery with morbidity and mortality rates similar to full sternotomy, with the advantages of less blood loss and transfusions need, faster extubation, and shorter length of hospital stay.

Total endoscopic left ventricle lipoma removal.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricle (LV) lipoma is a very rare, benign cardiac tumor. Due to its rarity, LV lipoma is often misdiagnosed. Aspecific symptoms such as murmurs, arrhythmias, memory loss and palpitation may occur due to the mass effect. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case report of a 42 year old woman who was found to have left ventricle mass after check-up for arrhytmia. By a fully endoscopic approach, the mass was successfully resected from the left ventricle without the need for sternotomy. CONCLUSION: Total endoscopic removal of left ventricle lipoma's can be done safely and has several advantages to conventional sternotomy. Larger studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Transaortic Myectomy for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy remains one of the more common inherited cardiac disorders with often a major impact on quality of life. Even today, most frequently a sternotomy is performed to conduct the myectomy. Several minimally invasive procedures, under direct vision or through transmitral access, have been demonstrated to operate on these patients. However, we believe our video-assisted transaortic approach could provide a more precise and complete resection than other minimally invasive approaches because of a clearer visualization of the septum and outflow tract. This could further increase the benefits for these patients and potentially make more frail patients eligible for surgical intervention.

Neurological outcome after minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (NOMICS): An observational prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo-CABG) is a minimally invasive CABG procedure with retrograde arterial perfusion. The main objective of this study is to assess neurocognitive outcome after Endo-CABG. METHODS/DESIGN: In this prospective observational cohort study, patients were categorised into: Endo-CABG (n = 60), a comparative Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) group (n = 60) and a healthy volunteer group (n = 60). A clinical neurological examination was performed both pre- and postoperatively, delirium was assessed postoperatively. A battery of 6 neurocognitive tests, Quality of life (QoL) and the level of depressive feelings were measured at baseline and after 3 months. Patient Satisfaction after Endo-CABG was assessed at 3-month follow-up. Primary endpoints were incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), stroke and delirium after Endo-CABG. Secondary endpoints were QOL, patient satisfaction and the incidence of depressive feelings after Endo-CABG. RESULTS: In total, 1 patient after Endo-CABG (1.72%) and 1 patient after PCI (1.67%) suffered from stroke during the 3-month follow-up. POCD in a patient is defined as a Reliable Change Index ≤-1.645 or Z-score ≤-1.645 in at least two tests, and was found in respectively 5 and 6 patients 3 months after Endo-CABG and PCI. Total incidence of POCD/stroke was not different (PCI: n= 7 [15.9%]; Endo-CABG: n= 6 [13.0%], p = 0.732). ICU delirium after Endo-CABG was found in 5 (8.6%) patients. QoL increased significantly three months after Endo-CABG and was comparable with QoL level after PCI and in the control group. Patient satisfaction after Endo-CABG and PCI was comparable. At follow-up, the level of depressive feelings was decreased in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of poor neurocognitive outcome, including stroke, POCD and postoperative ICU delirium until three months after Endo-CABG is low and comparable with PCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02979782).

Protamine Induced Anaphylactic Shock after Peripheral Vascular Surgery.

Anaphylactic reactions to protamine are quite rare and almost exclusively reported during cardiac surgery. In this report, we illustrate a rare case of protamine reaction after peripheral vascular surgery a couple of months after cardiac surgery and how the patient survived this critical complication.

Drug Thrombus Resulting in Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Superior vena cava syndrome is one of the more serious complications of central venous catheter insertion. Drug interactions of administered drugs used in association with these catheters can lead to formation of precipitations and consequently thrombus formation. These interactions can be either anion-cation or acid-base based and more commonly present in clinical practice than expected. CASE PRESENTATION: The case of a 31-year old female who was admitted to an intensive care unit with an intracranial haemorrhage, is presented. Occlusion of the superior vena cava was caused by a drug-induced thrombus, formed by the precipitation and clotting of total parenteral nutrition and intravenous drugs. Given the nature of the thrombus and a recent intracranial haemorrhage, the patient was treated with a central thrombectomy supported by a heparin-free extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of drug interactions is crucial in order to heighten awareness for the dangers of concomitant drug administration, especially in combination with total parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic sternal adhesiolysis before resternotomy reduces morbidity and improves patient care.

BACKGROUND: Resternotomy still carries an important risk for an already high-risk population. Re-entry injuries may lead to massive bleeding, which can be difficult to control due to poor accessibility. The aim of the study was to assess early outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic adhesiolysis, as well as safety and feasibility. METHODS: Forty-five patients received a video-assisted thoracoscopic adhesiolysis before resternotomy between April 1, 2016 and January 1, 2019. Records were reviewed for demographics, perioperative and early postoperative (Postop) outcomes. RESULTS: The median age of the population was 73 years with a EUROSCORE II of 8.322. Only 1 (2.22%) patient experienced a major and 2 (4.44%) a minor re-entry injury. This resulted in a mean peroperative and 24-hour Postop blood loss of, respectively, 675.72 (range: 5-2862) and 444.71 mL (range: 0-2100). There was no significant difference between the use of minimally invasive and classic extracorporeal circulation (P = .276 and P = .81, respectively). Twenty-nine patients (64%) were not in need of red blood cell transfusion. A survival rate of 93.33% could be achieved. No deaths (n = 3) were related to the video-assisted thoracoscopic adhesiolysis or re-entry injuries. Kidney function remained stale postoperatively with creatinine preoperative and Postop levels of 1.56 (95%confidence interval: 1.07-2.05) and 1.43 (95%CI, 1.05-1.81) mg/dL (P = .264). Despite high-risk surgery, the median length of stay was 8 days. CONCLUSION: A video-assisted thoracoscopic approach allows for a safe and effective adhesiolysis, due to increased visibility and accuracy. This approach may prevent major and minor re-entry injuries and consequently reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality of high-risk surgery.

A new viewpoint on endoscopic CABG: technique description and clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to describe a newly developed endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft (Endo-CABG) technique to treat patients with single- and multi-vessel disease and discuss the short-term clinical results in a large patient cohort. This technique avoids a median sternotomy by combining a thoracoscopic technique via three ∼5 mm thoracic ports and a mini-thoracotomy utility 3-4 cm port through the intercostal space. METHODS: From January 2016 to January 2018, data from consecutive patients undergoing an elective Endo-CABG were prospectively entered into a customized database and retrospectively reviewed. Patients scheduled for a combined hybrid intervention were excluded. Conversion rate to sternotomy, incidence of surgical revision and postoperative graft failure, one-month survival, morbidity, and length of stay (LOS) were investigated. Subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 342 patients undergoing an Endo-CABG with one (n = 53) or multiple (n = 289) bypasses were included. No conversion to sternotomy occurred and incidence of surgical revision, graft failure, and 30-day mortality was 7.3%, 1.5%, and 1.8%, respectively. Adverse neurological outcomes were rare: cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, epilepsy, and postoperative delirium were observed in 0.6%, 0.3%, 0.3%, and 5.3% of patients, respectively. Median intensive care unit and hospital LOS were 2.75 (IQR 1.8 to 3.8) and 8.0 days (IQR 7.0 to 10.0), respectively. Thirty-day mortality in obese patients, diabetics, and octogenarians was 0%, 3.6%, and 5.6%, respectively. EuroSCORE II > 5% was associated with a high 30-day mortality (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Endo-CABG can be considered a safe and effective procedure to treat single- and multi-vessel coronary artery disease. Individual patient selection seems not necessary to apply this technique.