[Initial experience in endoscopic radial artery harvesting]

We report the initial experience of endoscopic radial artery (RA) harvesting (ERA) using Vasoview System. The expected advantages of ERA are superior cosmetic results and fewer wound complications to the conventional open technique. ERA was performed in 33 patients from September 2004 to September 2005. Preoperatively, Allen's test with Doppler imaging was performed in all patients. ERA was successfully performed within 50 minutes except in the first 3 patients (the mean time for harvest: 37 minutes). Direct injury of the RA occurred in 1 patient, but the RA could be used as a graft for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) by repairing with end-to-end anastomosis. Only 1 RA graft occluded as determined by the early postoperative angiography. Local dissection of the RA was observed in 2 patients, but no flow disturbance was observed. Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 aged patient. No significant nerve complications were encountered. ERA is easy to adopt and has greater cosmetic advantages.