How I do it: modified technique for vein preparation using the SaphLITE retractor and PAS-Port system

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Vascular Grafting

Background:

• Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery requires efficient and safe vein graft preparation.
• Minimizing complications associated with vein harvesting is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Existing techniques may have limitations in terms of wound complications and hemostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a modified vein preparation technique for OPCAB surgery.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the SaphLITE retractor and PAS-Port aortic connector system in this context.
• To assess the impact of this combined approach on leg wound complications, harvest time, and hemostasis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the SaphLITE retractor for vein exposure and preparation.
• Employed the PAS-Port aortic connector system during the procedure.
• Performed off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with the modified vein preparation technique.

Main Results:

• The combined use of SaphLITE and PAS-Port systems demonstrated a reduction in leg wound complications.
• Harvesting time for the saphenous vein was significantly shortened.
• Reliable hemostasis was achieved consistently with the described technique.

Conclusions:

• The modified vein preparation technique using SaphLITE and PAS-Port is effective in OPCAB surgery.
• This approach offers advantages in minimizing wound complications and improving surgical efficiency.
• The technique facilitates reliable hemostasis, contributing to safer bypass grafting procedures.