Giant aneurysm of left anterior descending coronary artery treated by surgical off-pump therapy

Coronary artery aneurysms may predispose to acute thrombosis, embolisation and myocardial ischaemia or rupture with subsequent tamponade and/or sudden death. The optimal therapy for patients with coronary artery aneurysm is unknown, and controversy persists regarding the use of medical or surgical modalities. There is no doubt that surgical therapy is reserved for cases with large aneurysms or with myocardial ischaernia due to significant associated coronary artery stenoses. We discuss here the surgical management of a case with coronary artery aneurysm and concomitant coronary artery disease. Although the beating heart technique of myocardial revascularisation and repair of coronary artery aneurysm without cardiopulmonary bypass is not suitable for all patients, it should be considered for those high-risk patients who have impaired left ventricular function or who are at high risk for pulmonary or neurological complications.