Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting has recently been introduced into cardiac surgery. The procedure promises to become an important addition to the surgical treatment of coronary artery disease. This current review gives a historical perspective and an overview of this growing field, based on the experience of three international centers with experience with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting. It is predicted that the field will grow, and that future generation of cardiac surgeons will have to become familiar with this new procedure.