Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting versus 'open' technique. A prospective study

Objective: Preparation of the great saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass grafts is usually performed through one or many cutaneous incisions. A technique of endoscopic harvesting is now available. An aim of the study was to compare both methods, prospectively. Methods: Sixty coronary artery bypass grafting patients were randomly assigned to two groups according to saphenous vein harvesting technique: 30 patients to group 1 - open harvesting technique (OHT) and 30 patients to group 2 - endoscopic harvesting technique (EHT). The results were assessed on the basis of (1) clinical outcome (hematomas, inflammations), (2) length of the cutaneous incisions compared to length of the segment of vein harvested, (3) lime of harvesting, (4) postoperative pain. Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of: age, sex, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, site of harvesting, number of anastomoses, and length of the vein harvested. Both the length of the cutaneous incisions and the postoperative pain were decreased in the EHT group. Harvesting time was increased in the OHT group. Conclusions: Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting allows improved aesthetic aspect, less postoperative discomfort, with an increased time in harvesting in the beginning. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.