Harvesting the greater saphenous vein with a subcutaneous vein remover

A subcutaneous vein remover has been developed to facilitate harvesting of the greater saphenous vein. The technique described is applicable only to the segment of saphenous vein above the knee. This technique was used in 19 selected patients without complication; however, intraoperative and postoperative precautions are necessary to prevent bleeding and injury to the vein.