Clinical experience with the Ventrica distal anastomotic device in coronary surgery.

The surgical treatment of coronary artery disease is based on bypassing demonstrated lesions with autogenous vascular grafts. The operations have traditionally been invasive, complicated procedures requiring skillful microvascular surgical technique, cardiopulmonary bypass, and temporary cardioplegia. Ventrica, Inc. has developed a coupling device based on magnetic attraction which simplifies the connection of the graft to the coronary artery. Perceived advantages are shortened operating time, the need for less operative exposure, ease of use, versatility, and reliability. Use of the device is easily learned. It is a gentle technique which may be abandoned at any point without grossly noticeable consequence; the vessel remains apparently undamaged and remains suitable for hand-sewn anastomosis. Patient recovery is swift and acceptance high. Immediate operative results, pre-discharge angiograms and 6 month follow up angiograms are all favorable. The device is applicable to multiple graft operations, to all autogenous graft conduits, to end or sequential anastomoses, and to potentially all coronary vessels.