Tumor de células gigantes esternal: esternectomía total y reconstrucción con barras de titanio más malla de polipropileno / Sternal Giant Cell Tumor: Total Sternectomy and Reconstruction with Titanium Rods Plus Polypropylene Mesh

El tumor de células gigantes (TCG) constituye un tumor óseo benigno relativamente frecuente. Se caracteriza por ser localmente agresivo y el lugar de presentación más frecuente es a nivel del esqueleto axial (fémur distal o tibia proximal). Hasta la actualidad, existen escasos informes de presentaciones atípicas, como a nivel del esternón. En este informe, se presenta el caso de una paciente mujer de 24 años que presenta tumoración indurada a nivel de la región esternal de crecimiento progresivo asociado a dolor. Los hallazgos radiológicos revelan tumoración osteolítica que tiene como origen el cuerpo del esternón y lo compromete casi en su totalidad. Este se proyecta hacia las partes blandas y llega al plano superficial. Debido a la extensión de la enfermedad y al compromiso extenso en el cuerpo del esternón, se realiza la resección del cuerpo y manubrio esternal. El defecto es reconstruido con malla de polipropileno, barras de titanio, parche de epiplón y autoinjerto de piel; se obtiene una adecuada estabilidad de la caja torácica y resultados estéticos favorables. El caso tiene un adecuado manejo oncológico puesto que la resección es completa con márgenes microscópicos libres (resección R0).

Giant cell tumor (GCT) constitutes a relatively common benign bone tumor, characteri-zed by its local aggressiveness. The most frequent site of occurrence is in the axial ske-leton (distal femur or proximal tibia). To date, there have been few reports of atypical presentations, such as at the level of the sternum. In this report, we present the case of a 24-year-old female patient who presented with an indurated mass in the sternal region, progressively growing and associated with pain. Radiological findings revealed an osteolytic mass originating from the body of the sternum, involving almost its entire extent and projecting into the soft tissues, reaching the superficial plane. Due to the extent of the disease and the extensive involvement of the sternal body, resection of the body and manubrium of the sternum was performed. The surgical defect was reconstructed with polypropylene mesh, titanium bars, an omental patch and a skin graft, achieving adequate stability of the thoracic cage and favorable cosmetic results.

The The Sandwich Technique For Minimally Invasive Repair Of Pectus Carinatum.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive repair of pectus carinatum (MIRPC) has been performed using the Abramson technique in which the bar that compresses the sternum is fixed with steel wires on the ribs. A 14-year-old patient underwent to a MIRPC using a sandwich technique in which two metallic bars fixed with bridges were implanted below the sternum under thoracoscopic vision, and another bar in a subcutaneous tunnel was implanted above. This technique has the potential to avoid specific problems related to the original technique like loosening of support for correction (broken wire), avoidance of induction of pectus excavatum or subcutaneous tissue adhesion.

The Results of Rigid Titanium Plate Reinforcement and Only Conventional Wire Methods in Sternal Fixation in Morbidly Obese Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, it was aimed to compare the clinical results and complications of rigid titanium plate reinforcement and only conventional wire methods for sternum fixation in morbidly obese patients who underwent sternotomy for open-heart surgery. METHODS: The study was planned as a retrospective case-control study. Morbidly obese patients who underwent open-heart surgery with median sternotomy between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of characteristics of the patients (P≥0.05). Sternal dehiscence, sternum revision, wound drainage, and mediastinitis were significantly less common in the titanium plate group (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of 30-day mortality (P≥0.05). CONCLUSION: Rigid titanium plate reinforcement application produced more positive clinical results than only conventional wire application. In addition, it was determined that although the rigid titanium plate application prolonged the operation time, it did not make a significant difference in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to the conventional wire applied group.

Financial Impact of Deep Sternal Wound Infections After Coronary Surgery: A Microcosting Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are so serious and costly that hospital services continue to strive to control and prevent these outcomes. Microcosting is the more accurate approach in economic healthcare evaluation, but there are no studies in this field applying this method to compare DSWI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to evaluate the incremental risk-adjusted costs of DSWI on isolated CABG. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center observational cohort study with a propensity score matching for infected and non-infected patients to compare incremental risk-adjusted costs between groups. Data to homogeneity sample was obtained from a multicentric database, REPLICCAR II, and additional sources of information about costs were achieved with the electronic hospital system (Si3). Inflation variation and dollar quotation in the study period were corrected using the General Market Price Index. Groups were compared using analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate the cost drivers related to the event. RESULTS: As expected, infections were costly; deep infection increased the costs by 152% and mediastinitis by 188%. Groups differed among hospital stay, exams, medications, and multidisciplinary labor, and hospital stay costs were the most critical cost driver. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results demonstrate the incremental costs of a detailed microcosting evaluation of infections on CABG patients in São Paulo, Brazil. Hospital stay was an important cost driver identified, demonstrating the importance of evaluating patients' characteristics and managing risks for a faster, safer, and more effective discharge.

Músculo Esternal Bilateral, Descripción de un Caso e Implicancias Clínicas / Bilateral Sternal Muscle, Description of a Case and Clinical Implications

El músculo esternal corresponde a una variante muscular supernumeraria de la musculatura torácica, cuya descripción más antigua se remonta al año 1604. A lo largo de la historia ha sido denominado músculo "epiesternal", "preesternal", "recto torácico" o "recto esternal". Se ubica entre la fascia superficial y el músculo pectoral mayor, tiene una prevalencia de entre 3 % y 8 % en la población general, se presenta de forma unilateral o bilateral exhibiendo una alta variabilidad interracial y puede ser motivo de dilemas diagnósticos durante cirugías y exámenes de imagen. Disección en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Se encontraron dos músculos esternales conectados superiormente por un tendón central. El músculo esternal derecho se extendía desde el manubrio esternal hasta el séptimo cartílago costal derecho. El músculo esternal izquierdo se extendía desde el manubrio esternal hasta el sexto cartílago costal izquierdo. Su inervación estaba dada por ramos cutáneos anteriores de los nervios intercostales y su vascularización por ramas perforantes provenientes de los vasos torácicos internos. El músculo esternal presenta una alta variabilidad morfológica y su prevalencia se ve influenciada por factores raciales. Conocer esta variación muscular enriquece la capacidad diagnóstica y quirúrgica reduciendo la posibilidad de iatrogenia.

SUMMARY: The sternal muscle corresponds to a supernumerary muscle variant of the thoracic musculature, whose oldest description dates to 1604. Throughout history it has been called the "episternal", "presternal", "rectus thoracis" or "rectus sternalis" muscle. It is located between the superficial fascia and the pectoralis major muscle, has a prevalence of between 3 % and 8 % in the general population, presents unilaterally or bilaterally, exhibits a high interracial variability and can be the cause of diagnostic dilemmas during surgery and imaging examinations. Dissection in an adult male cadaver. Two sternal muscles were found connected superiorly by a central tendon. The right sternal muscle extended from the sternal manubrium to the right seventh costal cartilage. The left sternal muscle extended from the sternal manubrium to the left sixth costal cartilage. The innervation was given by anterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves and the vascularization by perforating branches coming from the internal thoracic vessels. The sternal muscle presents a high morphological variability and the prevalence is influenced by racial factors. Knowing this muscle variation enriches the diagnostic and surgical capacity, reducing the possibility of iatrogenesis.

Does Elective Sternal Plating Combined with Steel Wire Reduce Sternal Complication Rates in Patients with Obesity?

INTRODUCTION: In this study, sternal complication rates of sternal closures with steel wire or steel wire combined with titanium plate in patients with obesity that underwent cardiac surgery were investigated. METHODS: The data of 316 patients that underwent cardiac surgery between May 2018 and October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively; 124 patients withbody mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wires, and group II, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wire combined with titanium plates. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I (n=88 [70.9%]) and group II (n=36 [29.1%]). The rate of male patients was found to be significantly higher in group I, whereas the rate of female patients was significantly higher in group II (P<0.001). BMI values were found to be low in group I and high in group II (P<0.001). The distribution of complications was different in the BMI ≥ 35.00-39.99 kg/m2 and ≥ 40 kg/m2 groups (P=0.003). Development of complications was found to be higher in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Sternal dehiscence was observed in two patients in group I, while no dehiscence was observed in group II. CONCLUSION: The lower incidence of complications and the absence of non-infectious sternal complications and sternal dehiscence in patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 that underwent steel wire combined titanium plate sternal closure strengthened the idea that plate-supported sternal closure can prevent sternal complications in high-risk patients.

Miniature Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Banding in Neonates (MINI-MICS): A Novel Technique.

Single-ventricular cardiopathies are challenging conditions requiring multiple surgical interventions to hopefully achieve adulthood. In neonates, pulmonary artery banding allows ventricular adaptation and pulmonary vascular bed protection. Here we present a novel minimally invasive approach to pulmonary artery banding through a 1.5 cm left parasternal minithoracotomy. This technique not only allows for a less traumatic first procedure but also a less manipulated mediastinum and untouched sternum for the consequent surgeries to come. This technique is reproducible in experienced hands and shows favorable and promising results when performed properly.

Primary closure of a sternal cleft in the neonatal period.

Sternal cleft is a rare malformation of the midline fusion of the sternal bars; the most common form is the superior partial defect. Surgical correction with primary closure is the gold standard. It is recommended that the procedure be performed before 3 months of age because of the greater compliance and maximal flexibility of the thoracic wall.  These features ensure a safer repair with a low risk of complications and allow for a less extensive procedure that does not require the use of additional techniques. A midline incision is performed in the anterior thoracic wall, and the major pectoralis flaps are raised. The main surgical goal is to change the remaining sternum from a U to a V shape. Transfixing interrupted sutures are placed in the cartilaginous borders for midline closure. Hemodynamics and ventilation are monitored at this time. Closure is performed by layers.

Performance of a novel risk model for deep sternal wound infection after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Clinical prediction models for deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery exist, although they have a poor impact in external validation studies. We developed and validated a new predictive model for 30-day DSWI after CABG (REPINF) and compared it with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons model (STS). The REPINF model was created through a multicenter cohort of adults undergoing CABG surgery (REPLICCAR II Study) database, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, internally and externally validated comparing discrimination, calibration in-the-large (CL), net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), trained between the new model and the STS PredDeep, a validated model for DSWI after cardiac surgery. In the validation data, c-index = 0.83 (95% CI 0.72-0.95). Compared to the STS PredDeep, predictions improved by 6.5% (IDI). However, both STS and REPINF had limited calibration. Different populations require independent scoring systems to achieve the best predictive effect. The external validation of REPINF across multiple centers is an important quality improvement tool to generalize the model and to guide healthcare professionals in the prevention of DSWI after CABG surgery.

The importance of inflammatory parameters in predicting deep sternal wound infections after open heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the development of deep sternal wound infection after open heart surgery and inflammatory parameters obtained from routine biochemical tests. METHODS: A total of 280 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with median sternotomy between January 2015 and January 2020 were examined retrospectively. Patients who developed deep sternal wound infection were identified as "Group 1," and those who did not develop deep sternal wound infection were identified as "Group 2." RESULTS: There were 70 patients with a mean age of 61.6±9.9 years in Group 1 and 210 patients with a mean age of 62.7±9.8 years in Group 2. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the presence of concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, concomitant diabetes mellitus, blood and blood product transfusion, postoperative 2nd day C-reactive protein, postoperative 1st day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and delta neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was found as independent predictive factors of postoperative deep sternal wound infection development (p=0.043, p=0.012, p=0.029, p=0.009, p=0.002, and p<0.001; respectively). As a predictor of deep sternal wound infections development, postoperative 1st day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio cutoff value was 11.2 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.598; p=0.014; 60% sensitivity, and 65.2% specificity), and delta neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio cutoff value was 9.6 (AUC 0.716; p<0.001; 57.1% sensitivity, and 73.8% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Deep sternal wound infection development can be predicted with inflammatory parameters such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein that are obtained from cheap and easily available routine biochemical tests.

The correction of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle concomitant with a moulded silicone implant insertion in a patient with medial pectus excavatum.

The association of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle and the medial pectus excavatum was reported. We have been using soft silicone block, sculpted intraoperatively, to correct pectus excavatum. The horizontal access used, 2 cm at a subxiphoid position, allows us to expose the sternum and the rectus abdominis muscles (RAMs). We report a case, male, 31 years presenting medial pectus excavatum and supraumbilical diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle with a width of 35 mm at the costal arches, and 27 mm at 6 cm from the xiphoid process edge. The muscle borders presented a curved lateral deviation up to the insertion in the costal arches. The necessary space for the implant was dissected and the block was sculpted. The medial and superior aponeurosis borders of the RAM were incised at 6 cm from the xiphoid, and the posterior border of the RAM was released. The aponeurosis borders were brought together, promoting a medial and anterior positioning of the RAM. The inferior border of the implant was attached to the raw superior borders of the RAM. The result was considered satisfactory, and a magnetic resonance image 14 months after showed continuity of the implant and the muscles, promoting a uniform body contour. Registry: CAAE63181616.7.0000.0071.

The role of the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection and dehiscence.

Deep sternal wound infection and dehiscence has been classified as complex wound, and its treatment is a challenge for the surgeon. There are many flap choices for its treatment, each one having advantages and drawbacks. The article by Wang et al. evidenced that the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap is a simple and effective option for wound closure resulting from sternotomy dehiscence in infants and children. The report discussed herein highlights that the unilateral pectoralis major muscle flap has been a good and feasible option for the reconstruction of the sternal wound in adults, as previously described by our group and other authors. This technique presents low morbidity and acceptable esthetic and functional results, providing stability to the sternal region.

Fractura esternal: descripción de tratamiento quirúrgico / Sternal fracture: surgical management description

Resumen Objetivo: Describir características demográficas y tratamiento quirúrgico realizado a pacientes con fractura de esternón (FE) en los últimos 5 años. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes operados por fractura esternal entre enero de 2015 y enero de 2020. Se analizaron edad, sexo, antecedentes mórbidos, hemodinamia de ingreso, mecanismo causal, características de lesión esternal, lesiones asociadas, indicación quirúrgica y complicaciones. Resultados: Durante el período ingresaron a nuestro hospital 9 pacientes (7 hombres) de 21 a 91 años. Todos fueron operados. La mayoría ingresó con hemodinamia estable. El mecanismo fue siempre traumático. Las indicaciones quirúrgicas fueron: dolor intratable, alteración de la mecánica ventilatoria, tórax volante, deformidad y ayuda en la rehabilitación de un trauma raquimedular. Discusión: La FE es una patología infrecuente, siendo aún más escasa su resolución quirúrgica reportada a nivel mundial. Conclusiones: Presentamos el primer reporte de una serie de casos de FE operada en Chile. La osteosíntesis esternal permite el manejo de la FE con buenos resultados funcionales con baja tasa de morbilidad. Los resultados obtenidos son comparables a los observados en la literatura internacional.

Aim: To describe demographic characteristics and surgical treatment carried out on patients with a sternal fracture (SF) in the last 5 years. Materials and Method: Retrospective descriptive study of patients operated on for SF between January 2015 and January 2020. We analyzed age, sex, morbid history, hemodynamics on admission, causal mechanism and characteristics of sternal injury, associated injuries, surgical indication and complications. Results: During the period, 9 patients were admitted to our hospital (7 men) from 21 to 91 years old. All were operated. Most were admitted with stable hemodynamics. The mechanism was always traumatic. The surgical indications were: intractable pain, alteration of ventilatory mechanics, flail chest, deformity and aid in the rehabilitation of spinal cord trauma. Discussion: SF is an infrequent pathology, its surgical resolution reported worldwide being even scarce. Conclusions: We present the first report of a series of cases of SF operated in Chile. Sternal osteosynthesis allows the management of EF with good functional results with a low morbidity rate. The results obtained are comparable to those observed in the international literature.

Pectus excavatum em uma ninhada de Buldogue Francês: relato de caso / Pectus excavatum in a French Bulldog Litter: case report

RESUMO O pectus excavatum é considerado uma patologia da parede torácica, onde há convexidade no aspecto ventral do esterno, o que gera complicações secundárias, como alongamento ventrodorsal do tórax e aumento da pressão intratorácica, entre outras. No presente caso, o corpo de um cachorro Buldogue Francês nasceu com sinais prévios de decaimento e baixo consumo de leito materno, além de uma avaliação médica forense. De acordo com a avaliação patológica, foi encontrada uma fenda no peito esternal relacionada às esternas caudais próximas à cartilagem xifóide, conteúdo espumoso na cartilagem epiglótica da laringe e sinais graves de enfisema nos lobos caudal, craniano e médio pulmonar. Na avaliação cardiológica, foi observada assimetria morfológica invaginante no septo interventricular na mesma área em que a fenda esternal ocorre, por sua vez, na avaliação radiográfica, evidencia uma depressão dorsal do terço caudal do esterno com alterações consideráveis na silhueta cardíaca. Na Colômbia não há relatos de ninhadas completas que apresentem esta alteração, portanto, pretende-se que este seja o primeiro relatório anatomopatológico e de imagem que descreva a patologia em caninos.

ABSTRACT Pectus excavatum is considered a pathology of the chest wall where there is convexity in the ventral aspect of the sternum, which generates secondary complications, such as ventrodorsal stretching of the chest and increased intrathoracic pressure, among others. In the present case, the body of a French bulldog dog was born with previous signs of decay and low consumption of maternal waste, in addition to a forensic medical evaluation. According to the pathological evaluation, a crack was found in the sternal chest related to the caudal sternum close to the xiphoid cartilage, frothy content in the laryngeal epiglottis cartilage and severe signs of emphysema in the caudal, cranial and middle lung lobes. In the cardiological evaluation, an invaginating morphological asymmetry was observed in the interventricular septum in the same area in which the sternal cleft occurs, in turn, in the radiographic evaluation, it shows a dorsal depression of the caudal third of the sternum with considerable changes in the cardiac silhouette. In Colombia there are no reports of complete litters that present this alteration, so it is intended that this is the first anatomopathological and imaging report that describes the pathology in canines.

Retrosternal Deformations after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Using Statistical Shape Analysis

Abstract Introduction: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anatomical deformations of the major vascular structures in the retrosternal area caused by adhesions following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included a total of 40 patients with a previous CABG who were admitted to our emergency unit for any reason and underwent a contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (patient group) and 40 patients without previous cardiac surgery (control group) between January 2018 and November 2019. The retrosternal area was compared between the groups using the statistical shape analysis method. The distance between the sternum and the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery was measured and anatomical deformations of the retrosternal area were examined. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the anatomical structures of the retrosternal area between the patient and control groups (P<0.001). The distance from the midsternal line to the highest point of the pulmonary artery was statistically significantly shorter in the patient group, compared to the control group (P=0.013). The distance from the sternum to the ascending aorta was also shorter in the patient group, although it did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusions: Our study results showed narrowing of the retrosternal area following CABG and a shorter distance from the sternum to the pulmonary artery than the ascending aorta. Based on these findings, surgeons should be cautious about possible injuries in patients requiring cardiac surgery with repeated median sternotomy.

Anatomy of the vertebral column, ribs and sternum in orange rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758): Structural and Functional perspectives.

The axial skeleton of orange rumped agouti, Dasyprocta leporina, was studied for better understanding of its locomotor behaviour. The bones from eight adult agoutis of both sexes were observed for their anatomical features and functional significance. The vertebral formula was found to be C7 T12 L7 S5 Cy5-6 . The well-developed occipital crest, caudally oriented prominent axis spine and well-developed transverse processes from C3 -C7 indicated a highly flexible neck with greater sagittal mobility. Articular facets were horizontal in anterior series while oblique in the posterior series, which enabled them to perform both lateral and sagittal movements during locomotion. The caudally directed thoracic spines, T12 as anticlinal vertebra and prominent mamillary process in the posterior series were suggestive of strong dorso-ventral flexion/extension and rotation. The robust lumbar vertebrae, well-developed transverse processes with cranio-ventral extension, were the feature for powerful sagittal/dorsoventral movement. The presence of spinous processes and well-developed transverse processes in all caudal vertebrae was an indication of a highly movable tail. The ribs were 13 pairs with first seven as sternal and six as asternal. They were laterally compressed in the anterior series as a cursorial adaptation. A strong muscular attachment to vertebrae provides this rodent speed, agility, dexterity and strength suitable for survival in food chain.

Treatment and Chest Reconstruction for Mediastinitis Following Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School

Abstract This study presents the method used for chest reconstruction and treatment of mediastinitis following cardiac surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School. After infection control with antibiotic therapy associated with aggressive surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, chest reconstruction is performed using flaps. The advantages and disadvantages of negative pressure wound therapy are discussed, as well as options for flap-based chest reconstruction according to the characteristics of the patient and sternum. Further studies are needed to provide evidence to support the decisions when facing this great challenge.

High prevalence of sternal foramina in indigenous Bolivians compared to Midwest Americans and indigenous North Americans (sternal foramina in indigenous Bolivians).

The sternal foramen, usually an asymptomatic osteological defect, can lead to catastrophic consequences if not recognized prior to certain medical procedures. This study reports the prevalence of a sternal foramen in two South Amerindian populations compared with other published populations. We evaluated the presence of sternal foramina using thoracic computed tomography scans of 1334 (48% female) participants from two indigenous populations of Bolivia (n = 900 Tsimane, 434 Moseten). The prevalence of sternal foramina was compared to two U.S. populations of similar sex/age distribution (n = 572 Midwest Americans, 131 self-identified Native North Americans) via similar CT scans. A sternal foramen was significantly more common in the two Bolivian populations (prevalence ranging from 12.8 to 13.4%), compared to 4.4-5.1% in the two U.S. groups, consistent with prior estimates in studies from industrialized populations. Males had higher frequency of a sternal foramen compared to females in each of the four groups (OR = 1.904, 95% CI: 1.418-2.568, p < 0.001). Age was not associated with sternal foramen presence. These data show both a higher rate of sternal foramina in the South Amerindian populations versus comparator populations in North America and the highest rate of any studied living population. Although it is not possible to determine from our data the relative contribution of genetics versus early life or environmental causes to the higher rates of sternal foramen, we note that small prior studies have likewise demonstrated a higher prevalence in lower income countries. Further determination of the contributing factors warrants greater investigation and research.

MINI OPCAB Operation: Surgical Technique.

INTRODUCTION: We describe how to perform left internal mammary artery (LIMA) bypass to the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, the so-called MINI Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass (MINI OPCAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients with a demonstrated predominant ischemia related to the LAD territory. Of 70 patients who were operated upon at the Benetti Foundation, 10 received hybrid revascularization. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The patient is prepared as for a standard coronary bypass operation through sternotomy. The sternum is opened to the 3rd or 4th intercostal space depending on the anatomy, and a retractor is put in place. The left mammary artery is generally dissected to about 8 cm and isolated without the veins. Importantly, the angle of the superior part, where the mammary artery is attached to the sternum, needs to be below 20% to avoid any potential kinking. The pericardium is cleaned to identify the area of the pulmonary artery. The pericardium is opened to the apex and towards the right to around 5 to 6 cm initially. In most cases, the area of the LAD can be seen and the potential area of the anastomosis is defined. The patient is heparinized and the LAD is occluded with 5-0 Proline. A mechanical stabilizer is put in place and the anastomosis is performed. When the bypass is finished, and before sutures are tied, the stitches of 5-0 polypropylene around the artery are released, along with the clamp of the mammary artery; the anastomosis is then tied. The mechanical stabilizer is removed, the stitches of the pericardium are released and the flow of the graft is measured, while ensuring that there is no kinking. If the flow and Pulsatility and Resistance (PR) are acceptable, the mammary is fixed with 2 stitches of 7-0 polypropylene on both sides around 1 cm from the anastomosis. The heparin is reverted with protamine and a drain is put in place, while taking care to avoid any chance of touching the mammary artery or the anastomosis. The sternum is closed with 1 or 2 wires. RESULTS: Operative mortality in this series was 0%; one patient was converted to sternotomy off-pump (1.4%). None of the grafts were revised after measurement with a Medistim system (Medistim ASA, Oslo, Norway). Fifty five patients (79%) were extubated in the operating room The average hospitalization stay was 60 hours (SD 17, 95% CI). Sixteen patients who underwent the LIMA-to-LAD procedure were restudied, with 100% patency. At 144 months, 82% of the patients were alive and 68% were asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Additional clinical experience is required to be able to reproduce this operation on a large scale and expand the MINI OPCAB operation in hybrid revascularization.