Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Transradial Access Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Published on: September 20, 2020
Endoscopic versus open radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting
Jose L Navia1, Nicolas Brozzi, Jorge Chiu
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. naviaj@ccf.org
Insights
Endoscopic radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) resulted in better wound healing and less pain compared to open harvesting. Both methods showed infrequent complications like infection and neurologic deficits.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Vascular Grafting
Background:
- Radial artery is a preferred conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after internal thoracic arteries.
- Comparison of endoscopic versus open radial artery harvesting techniques is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare wound healing and arm complications between endoscopic and open radial artery harvesting in CABG patients.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic radial artery harvesting.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 509 patients undergoing CABG with radial artery conduit from January 2002 to July 2004.
- Propensity score matching was used to compare 39 endoscopic harvesting patients with 117 open harvesting patients.
- Outcomes assessed included wound healing, neurologic deficits, wound infection, and pain scores.
Main Results:
- Endoscopic harvesting showed significantly better wound healing (p = 0.01) and appearance (p = 0.004).
- Patients undergoing endoscopic harvesting reported lower pain scores (p = 0.006).
- Neurologic deficits and wound infections were infrequent in both groups, with more severe infections noted in the open harvesting group.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic radial artery harvesting offers superior wound appearance and reduced pain post-CABG.
- Both endoscopic and open harvesting methods are associated with low rates of complications, including neurologic deficits and wound infections.
Background And Aim Of The Study:
The radial artery has become the artery of choice after both internal thoracic arteries for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study compares wound healing and arm complications after endoscopic versus open radial artery harvesting.
Methods:
From January 2002 to July 2004, 509 patients underwent CABG including a radial artery conduit. Thirty-nine had endoscopic and 470 conventional open radial artery harvesting. A propensity score was used to obtain 1:3 matching of all endoscopic to 117 open-harvesting patients. Postoperative wound healing, local neurologic deficits, wound infection, and pain scores were compared.
Results:
Wound healing: 34 of 39 endoscopic wounds exhibited a perfect Hollander score versus 339 of 470 open-harvest wounds (p = 0.01). Wound appearance was better for endoscopic harvesting (p = 0.004). Three incomplete neurologic deficits were observed after open harvesting versus one complete neurologic deficit after endoscopic harvesting that recovered prior to hospital discharge. Incidence of wound infection was similar in both groups (p = 0.7), although infection was more severe with open harvesting. Pain score was lower (p = 0.006) with endoscopic harvesting.
Conclusions:
Endoscopic radial artery harvesting was associated with better wound appearance and less pain. Occurrence of neurologic deficits and wound infection was infrequent in both groups.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
01:25Assessment of apical radial pulse
The A-R pulse assessment involves simultaneous evaluation of the apical and radial pulses. When the apical and radial pulse rates vary, this assessment helps identify a pulse deficit.
Pre-Procedural Preparation