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Synergizing Antegrade Endoscopic with Bridging Vein Harvesting for Improvement of Great Saphenous Vein Graft Quality from the Lower Leg
Published on: November 19, 2019
Modified incision for long saphenous vein harvest
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, King's College Hospital, London, England. andrew.sara@btinternet.com
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|August 6, 1998
Summary
A modified long saphenous vein harvesting technique avoids medial malleolus dissection. This approach reduces leg wound complications following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common revascularization procedure.
- Long saphenous vein (LSV) is frequently used as a conduit in CABG.
- LSV harvesting can lead to leg wound complications, impacting patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a modified technique for LSV harvesting.
- To evaluate the impact of this modification on leg wound complications after CABG.
Main Methods:
- Description of a modified open LSV harvesting technique.
- Modification involves avoiding dissection around the medial malleolus.
- Comparison of complication rates with the standard harvesting technique.
Main Results:
- The modified technique demonstrated a reduced incidence of leg wound complications.
- Specific complications potentially reduced include wound infection and dehiscence.
- No adverse impact on graft patency or other surgical outcomes was implied.
Conclusions:
- Avoiding medial malleolus dissection during LSV harvesting is a beneficial modification.
- This technique offers a strategy to minimize wound-related morbidity in CABG patients.
- The modified approach enhances patient safety and recovery post-CABG.

