Minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting using a laryngoscope: procedural, functional, and morphologic evaluation

Because commercial minimally invasive harvesting equipments significantly increase operation costs, they are not always available in all clinics worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate whether minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting using a laryngoscope can be applied efficiently and successfully.

Thirty patients were prospectively randomized into two groups. One group underwent a minimally invasive technique using a laryngoscope; the other, open saphenous vein harvest. A modified bridging technique, in which tissue retraction and illumination is achieved with a sterilized laryngoscope, was used for minimally invasive harvesting. Smooth muscle contractile and endothelial functions were tested in vitro using an organ chamber. Morphology was examined with light microscopy.

There was no statistically significant difference in harvest times or length of the vein harvested by either of the above mentioned techniques. Total length of the incision in the minimally invasive group was significantly shorter than that in the open group. In follow-ups, no significant complications occurred in either group. Pain and leg edema were significantly less in the minimally invasive group compared to those of the open group. There was no significant difference in response to acetylcholine and 80 mM KCl between veins taken with the laryngoscope compared to veins taken with the traditional open technique. Similarly, histological data was unable to show any significant damage to the vessel wall.

Because the laryngoscopic saphenectomy does not harm the harvested graft, it can be applied, instead of other minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting systems, with a zero cost, efficiently, successfully, and with satisfactory speed and significant reduction of postoperative leg pain and wound complications.