A histology and immunochemistry study comparing open versus close and open-method endoscopic saphenous vein...

The introduction of endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting (ESVH) has been reported to reduce wound pain and infection, compared with open saphenous vein harvesting (OSVH) techniques. There are still controversies regarding this technique. The aim of our study is to investigate the endothelial preservation of saphenous vein (SV) grafts harvested by different techniques. Further observations were made for harvesting and closure time, incision length and effect of pressure distension of the veins to the vein endothelium.

Prospective observational study of sixty human saphenous vein grafts was performed to evaluate endothelial preservation by haematoxylin-eosin and Cluster of Differentiation 31 (CD 31) staining. Saphenous vein was harvested endoscopically either by closed CO₂ (carbon dioxide) ESVH, open CO₂ ESVH or OSVH harvesting technique. Demographic data and intra-operative data were collected. Two saphenous vein samples were collected from each patient to compare differences before and after distension of the veins. Both haematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry slides were imaged by a high-resolution slide scanning system.

Open CO₂ ESVH group showed the highest number of endothelial detachments. Mean scoring of the immunohistochemistry method using the CD31 antibody was much lower in the open CO₂ ESVH group (33.25% ± 28.71, P < 0.0003). This represents a more poorly preserved endothelial cells in the Open CO₂ ESVH than the closed CO₂ ESVH. Closure time and incision lengths were significantly shorter in both ESVH groups compared to the OSVH group. Significant low scores of immunohistochemistry for samples were seen in distended veins (39.0% ± 30.08, p = 0.004). The OSVH in random sample B, which represents the conduit that will be used, had a far better endothelium preservation and less endothelial detachment when compared to ESVH.

We observed more endothelial detachment in the open CO₂ ESVH group, due to lack of subcutaneous tissue separation, poor visualization and traction stress across the wall of the saphenous vein. The closed CO₂ ESVH group had more endothelial cells preserved, but the OSVH group fared the best with the least number of endothelial cell detachment and a higher score of CD31 antibody.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-024-01752-3.