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Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting versus 'open' technique. A prospective study
T A Folliguet1, E Le Bret, A Moneta
1L'Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Departement of Cardiovascular Surgery, Paris, France. cardio@.dot.imm
Summary
Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting offers better cosmetic results and less pain compared to open harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafts, despite a longer initial harvesting time.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Vascular Grafting
Background:
- Great saphenous vein is commonly used for coronary artery bypass grafts.
- Traditional vein harvesting involves multiple cutaneous incisions.
- Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting (ESVH) is a newer alternative technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare open harvesting technique (OHT) with endoscopic harvesting technique (EHT) for great saphenous vein.
- To evaluate clinical outcomes, incision length, harvesting time, and postoperative pain.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 60 coronary artery bypass grafting patients.
- Random assignment to either OHT (30 patients) or EHT (30 patients).
- Assessment of clinical outcomes, incision length, harvesting duration, and pain levels.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in patient demographics or vein graft length between groups.
- Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting resulted in shorter incisions and reduced postoperative pain.
- Open harvesting technique showed a longer harvesting time.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting improves aesthetic outcomes and patient comfort.
- ESVH is a viable alternative to OHT, with initial longer harvesting times.
- Further research may explore optimizing ESVH efficiency.