MINIMAL-INVASIVE, VIDEO-ASSISTED VEIN HARVESTING FOR CARDIAC AND VASCULAR SURGICAL-PROCEDURES

Harvesting of the saphenous vein is a routine procedure in coronary an d peripheral vascular surgery. It is usually performed using a continu ous long skin incision. Minor complications are reported in up to 24% (hematoma, wound dehiscence, infection, pain) and major problems neces sitating surgical interventions (bleeding, abscess) in less than 1%. T hese complications lead to a prolonged hospital stay. To reduce these complications we have used a new endoscopic, video-assisted technique in 17 patients. Harvesting of the total length of the saphenous vein i s possible with only one 2-3 cm long incision proximally the knee join t. We conclude that this technique is safe, may reduce the morbidity o f saphenous vein harvesting and is associated with a perfect cosmetic result. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.