Minimally invasive coronary bypass in a patient with metal allergy

Abstract

Patients with metal allergy represent a challenge for current surgical techniques, particularly minimally invasive ones, in which metal implants are routinely used to facilitate procedures. We report on a 60-year-old woman with metal allergy who presented with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, and in whom we performed minimally invasive coronary artery bypass via small thoracotomy. In conclusion, we show that minimally invasive coronary surgery might feasibly be done without the aid of metal implants or surgical clips for hemostasis.