Is there a role for robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass in HIV positive patients?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Performing cardiac surgery on HIV positive patients represents a significant risk of occupational exposure to surgeons and their support staff. In addition, the immunocompromized state of these patients may be a factor which could adversely influence the results. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) in HIV patients has not been reported. METHODS: A male patient with HIV and Hepatitis C presented with three vessel coronary artery disease requiring surgical revascularization. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. Using the da Vinci surgical robot, the left and right internal mammary arteries were harvested and sutured to the second obtuse marginal branch and the left anterior descending artery respectively. RESULTS: The patient was discharged home on postoperative day six. At one month following the operation, the patient was asymptomatic and had returned to full activity without the need for sternal precautions. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the first case of completely endoscopic coronary surgery using the da Vinci system in an HIV patient. Double internal mammary artery grafting to the left coronary artery system was carried out successfully.