Endoscopic saphenous vein harvest in infrainguinal bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: Autologous greater saphenous vein is considered to be the optim al material for peripheral arterial reconstruction and coronary artery reva scularization. We describe a new endoscopic technique of saphenous vein har vest in infrainguinal arterial bypass surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 64 infrainguinal bypass procedures was performed comparing the standard open technique of saphenous vein harvesti ng with a new less invasive endoscopic technique. RESULTS: There were no differences in age, gender, indications for surgery, or proximal or distal anastomosis between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in early wound complications, early patency, and transfusion requirements. In the endoscopic group, length of operation was longer (189 versus 158 minutes; P < 0.005), length of stay was shorter (5. 2 versus 8.1 days; P < 0.05), and postoperative day of discharge was also l ess (3.3 versus 5.5 days; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that endoscopic saphenectomy is technica lly feasible, leads to earlier discharge from the hospital, and leads to in creased operative time. Most importantly, the procedure can be performed sa fely without subjecting the patient to increased risk. Am J Surg. 1998;176: 586-590. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.