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Minimally invasive vein harvest and wound healing using the SaphLITE Retractor System
G T Greenfield1, W A Whitworth, L L Tavares
1Cardiac & Thoracic Surgical Associates, Richmond, Virginia 23226, USA. georgegreenfield@heartsurgeryva.com
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 22, 2001
Summary
Minimally invasive vein harvest (MIVH) using the SaphLITE system shows improved wound healing and reduced pain compared to traditional methods. This technique offers an effective alternative for coronary artery bypass graft patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Traditional saphenous vein harvest has high complication rates (19-43%).
- Minimally invasive vein harvest (MIVH) techniques aim to reduce these complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Genzyme SaphLITE Retractor System for MIVH.
- Assess wound healing, pain, and harvest efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, nonrandomized trial of 305 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients.
- Saphenectomy performed using the SaphLITE system.
- Postoperative assessment of wound healing (ASEPSIS) and pain (numeric scale).
Main Results:
- 96.0% satisfactory wound healing (ASEPSIS).
- 1.3% infection rate; one incision required debridement.
- 85.4% of hospitalized patients reported no or minimal leg pain.
- Mean harvest time: 43.4 min; mean incision length: 2.9 cm.
Conclusions:
- SaphLITE is an effective MIVH alternative.
- Improved wound healing and decreased incisional pain observed.
- Acceptable harvest times and vein lengths achieved.