Table 1.

Contraindications for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB)

Absolute

Highly stenotic or occluded left subclavian artery

Severe COPD that precludes single-lung ventilation

Emergency procedures

Iatrogenic dissection or occlusion of the LAD following diagnostic or therapeutic interventions

Hemodynamic instability following an acute coronary syndrome

Relative

Severe obesity

Severe chest deformities

Complex coronary anatomy

Intramyocardial LAD

Calcified LAD requiring endarterectomy

Small vessel (<1.5 mm)

COPD, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; LAD, left anterior descending.