Comparative Results of Endoscopic and Open Methods of Vein Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: a Prospective Randomized Parallel-group Trial.

The great saphenous vein (GSV) remains one of the most commonly used conduits due to its ease of harvest, availability and versatility [1] Traditional harvesting of GSV is open vein harvesting, which involves an extended leg incision. This technique is associated with a significant morbidity and wound complications occur in 2-24% of cases.

Minimally invasive techniques endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH), have therefore been developed to reduce post-CABG leg wound complications. Last time the endoscopic vein harvesting is the method of choice in many centers as it allowed reduction of post-surgical complications as compared to the open method. Although long-term graft patency following EVH has been questioned cohort studies have reported that the technique is safe and effective.

The possibility to use lymphoscintigraphy for evaluation of lower limb lymphatic system after vein harvesting for the coronary artery bypass surgeries was reported before. Nevertheless, the state of the lymphatic system after vein harvesting remains to be poorly studied.

Currently, there is no shared vision relating to integrity and quality of the conduit after the impact on the vein wall during vein harvesting. In this connection, the investigators studied the initial state of the venous conduit, interoperation damages of the vein and postoperative wound complications while using two methods of GSV harvesting.