February 7, 2011 – A new positioning system has been launched that is used in performing off- pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedures on coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. The Acrobat-i Stabilizer and Positioner System, by Maquet Cardiovascular, has a significantly lower profile design and tubing management features that allow increased access to and visibility of the surgical field.
It features a 180-degree side-to-side range of motion and has the ability to vertically drop into the chest cavity. Also, its maneuverability and arm strength help cardiovascular surgeons gain better access and control for hard-to-reach vessels during CABG surgery.
"With the new design of the arm for the Acrobat-i Stabilizer, visualization during Off-Pump Cardiovascular Bypass surgery is much improved,” said Reza Khalafi, M.D., Plaza Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas. “This is especially noticeable for creating anastomoses on the lateral wall and back side of the heart, making the OPCAB procedure easier to perform.”
In a CABG procedure, a healthy blood vessel, such as the saphenous vein, from the leg, or the radial artery, from the arm, is used to bypass a blockage in the heart. The vessel anastomoses is done during OPCAB, also called “beating heart” surgery, which is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, also known as a “heart-lung machine.”
Studies have shown that OPCAB reduces patient mortality, improves post-surgery neurological outcomes and shortens recovery times compared with on-pump surgery.
"The new Acrobat-i system enabled me to see and do more during CABG performed on a beating heart,” said Marc Katz, M.D., St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Va. “The Acrobat-i System will help me reach and stabilize hard-to-visualize vessels on OPCAB cases."
For more information: www.maquet.com
April 23, 2024 
