Concomitant Liwen procedure and minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass via a single access: a first-in-human case report

Eur Heart J Case Rep. 2026 Jun 1;10(6):ytag312. doi: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytag312. eCollection 2026 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Advances in anaesthesia and minimally invasive surgical techniques have expanded therapeutic options for patients with complex cardiac disease. While conventional open-heart surgery carries significant risks for this population, hybrid strategies offer a viable alternative.

Case summary: We report the first case of concurrent hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with a one-stage hybrid strategy: combining the Liwen procedure (echocardiography-guided percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation) with minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) via a single access. This approach effectively addressed both left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and myocardial ischaemia, while reducing trauma and accelerating recovery.

Discussion: This case demonstrates that the concomitant Liwen procedure and MIDCAB through a single minimally invasive access is a feasible and promising strategy for patients with coexisting HOCM and CAD, offering reduced trauma and faster recovery compared to traditional approaches.

Keywords: Case report; Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy; Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass; Myocardial contrast-enhanced echocardiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports