Avulsion of the left internal mammary artery graft after minimally invasive coronary surgery: fatal complication or medical error?

Abstract

Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is performed through a left anterior mini-thoracotomy without the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass and offers greater potential for more rapid recovery, reduced pain and a decreased need for blood transfusion than conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. Few major complications of the MIDCAB procedure have been reported in the literature since the first intervention was performed in 1995, but the most serious one is avulsion of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft near the site of anastomosis with the left anterior descending coronary artery. Forensic issues regarding the role of the surgeon in causing this life-threatening emergency condition have not been discussed. We report here the case of a 48-year-old man who died 18 days after a MIDCAB of massive thoracic bleeding due to the avulsion of the LIMA graft. We discuss the probable etiopathogenesis of this fatal complication from a forensic point of view.