Initial experience with the Heartstring proximal anastomotic system

Objective: Manipulation of the aorta has been shown to be associated with postoperative neurologic events after surgical myocardial revascularization when the aorta is diseased. The Heartstring proximal anastomotic system (Guidant, Indianapolis, Ind) is a device designed to assist in the performance of proximal anastomoses with minimal aortic manipulation. We describe our initial experience with this product. Methods: Twelve patients with a diseased aorta who underwent off-pump myocardial revascularization and had their proximal anastomoses performed with the Heartstring device were studied for operative and postoperative outcomes and surgical technique. Results: The mean age of the patients was 76 +/- 7 years. The estimated EuroSCORE perioperative mortality was 12% +/- 8%. The median number of distal anastomoses was 3. In all patients, a saphenous vein graft was anastomosed to the aorta using the Heartstring device. In 5 patients, the radial artery was used as a conduit and connected proximally to a left internal thoracic artery as a Y graft, to a saphenous vein graft as a "horseshoe," or on the hood of a saphenous vein graft. The operative and postoperative courses were uneventful. Three seals developed cracks and were not used. One seal developed an unravel in its periphery but was used successfully. Conclusions: The Heartstring proximal anastomotic system is a device that allows the surgeon to perform standard proximal clampless anastomoses. Elderly patients with a diseased aorta may benefit from this device.