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Preclinical Comparison of Distal Off-Pump Anastomotic Remodeling: Hand-Sewn Versus ELANA Heart Bypass

  • David Stecher
  • , Marieke Hoogewerf*
  • , Bart P. van Putte
  • , Shadan Osman
  • , Pieter A. Doevendans
  • , Cornelis Tulleken
  • , Lex van Herwerden
  • , Gerard Pasterkamp
  • , Marc P. Buijsrogge
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • University Medical Center Utrecht
  • St. Antonius Ziekenhuis
  • Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam
  • Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Objective: The ELANA Heart Bypass System is a new sutureless technique for coronary anastomoses. A titanium clip connects the graft with the coronary artery, whereafter the arteriotomy is performed by excimer laser. Since this anastomotic construction evidently differs from the standard hand-sewn anastomosis, we aim to evaluate the process of anastomotic healing and remodeling. Methods: Preclinical evaluation of anastomotic remodeling in 42 pigs who underwent off-pump left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery anastomosis by either the ELANA Heart Bypass (n = 24) or the hand-sewn (n = 18) technique. Anastomotic remodeling was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and histology in short-term follow-up intervals up to 3 months. Anastomotic patency is determined by coronary angiography at latest follow-up before termination. Results: The nonendothelial surface of both the ELANA and the hand-sewn anastomoses were covered with neointima from 14 days onwards. Only half the amount of intima hyperplasia was present in the anastomotic surface of the patent ELANA anastomosis, compared with the hand-sewn anastomosis (98 [48–1358] vs 218 [108–296] µm, P = 0.001). Yet patency of the ELANA was inferior to the hand-sewn anastomoses (79% vs 100%, P = 0.06). Conclusions: This study shows the technical perioperative feasibility of the ELANA Heart Bypass System. Although limited intima hyperplasia was observed, hand-sewn anastomoses had superior patency during follow-up. The results of this trial suggest that an additional study with a new prototype is required before clinical implementation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-118
Number of pages8
JournalINNOVATIONS: TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUES IN CARDIOTHORACIC AND VASCULAR SURGERY
Volume17
Issue number2
Early online date2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • OPCAB
  • coronary artery bypass grafting
  • coronary connector
  • coronary revascularization
  • sutureless anastomosis

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