Minimally invasive coronary surgery versus traditional surgery for heart bypass

The Minimally Invasive Coronary Surgery Compared to STernotomy Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation · NCT03447938

This study is testing if a less invasive heart bypass surgery can help people with multiple blocked arteries recover faster and feel better compared to traditional surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment176 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOttawa Heart Institute Research Corporation Academic / other
Locations13 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 12 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03447938 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial compares minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) to conventional sternotomy CABG in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease. It aims to assess the quality of life and recovery times in the early post-operative period through a randomized control design. Patients eligible for both surgical approaches will be enrolled to provide a robust comparison of outcomes. The study is multi-centre and prospective, ensuring a diverse patient population and comprehensive data collection.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with multi-vessel coronary artery disease suitable for either minimally invasive or conventional surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with concomitant cardiac procedures, previous cardiac surgeries, or significant contraindications for minimally invasive surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery times and quality of life for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have suggested benefits of minimally invasive approaches, but this trial aims to provide higher-level evidence through a randomized design.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Angiographically-confirmed multi-vessel coronary artery disease lesions with \>=70% in at least 2 major epicardial vessels in 2 or more coronary artery territories (left anterior descending (LAD), circumflex (CX) and right coronary artery (RCA)) OR lesions \>=50% in the left main (LM)
* Patients who, in the opinion of the investigator, are amenable for coronary surgery through either median sternotomy or minimally-invasive approach.
* Patients who are willing and able to comply with all follow-up study visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years of age
* concomitant cardiac procedure with CABG (e.g. valve repair or replacement)
* Previous cardiac surgery, mediastinal irradiation, or significant trauma to the chest
* Contra-indications for MICS CABG, including: severe pectus excavatum; severe pulmonary disease; hemodynamically significant left subclavian stenosis; morbid obesity; severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction; no adequate PDA or marginal branch target; absence of femoral pulse bilaterally.
* Contraindications for conventional CABG via sternotomy
* Concomitant life-threatening disease likely to limit life expectancy to \<2 years
* Emergency CABG with hemodynamic compromise
* Inability to provide informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 12 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.