Multi-Vessel Small Thoracotomy

In a Multi-Vessel Small Thoracotomy, the da Vinci Surgical System robot harvests the internal mammary artery (IMA) and radial artery to be used as a bypass graft. Through a small incision between the ribs, the surgeon can perform bypass surgery with direct vision of the surgical site. In an endoscopic procedure, the surgeon can also use a thoracoscope to view inside the chest cavity. A heart stabilization and exposure device allows the heart to continue beating while the surgery is performed.

Above: Minimally invasive instruments position and stabilize the heart during coronary artery bypass surgery, avoiding the need for a sternotomy (incision of the sternum).