OBJECTIVE Greater saphenous vein harvest for coronary and lower extremity bypass requires the longest incision of any surgical procedure. Endoscopic vein harvest allows better results in some clinical variables compared to open harvesting techniques. The objective of this study is to present the results of a systematic review of the scientific evidence about the efficiency of endoscopic sapheno...

AIM We sought to evaluate our experience with endoscopic radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS From October 2005 to June 2010, 50 patients who underwent endoscopic radial artery harvesting for an elective CABG were prospectively assessed for harvesting characteristics, complications, postoperative and mid-term outcomes. RESULTS There were 34 (68%) male...

BACKGROUND This study assessed the neurologic and cosmetic outcome of the endoscopic radial artery harvesting (ERH) technique in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS AND RESULTS The study group comprised 257 consecutive patients who underwent CABG between January 2001 and August 2005 at Kyungpook National University Hospital. The first 157 patients (open group) underwent convention...

Coronary artery bypass grafting is still the most commonly performed procedure in cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive or endoscopic vessel harvesting was developed a decade ago. It has been shown that these less traumatic techniques significantly reduce wound healing problems and improve patient satisfaction. However, there are some concerns regarding bypass patency and long-term outcomes. The ...

PURPOSE To describe a technique of endoscopic harvesting of autogenous fascia lata. METHODS A retrospective, noncomparative clinical study to evaluate the technique of videoendoscope assistance in harvesting autogenous fascia lata was conducted during a 1-year period in 2002. A small incision approximately 2 cm long is made over the lateral aspect of the thigh, either as a low or high approac...

BACKGROUND In coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, arterial conduits are preferred because of more favourable long-term patency and outcome. Anyway the greater saphenous vein continues to be the most commonly used bypass conduit. Minimally invasive endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting is increasingly being investigated in order to reduce the morbidity associated with conventional open vein ...

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting via left anterior small thoracotomy is routinely performed on patients with single coronary artery disease, but recently has been expanded to a larger population as a part of a hybrid treatment in multivessel coronary artery disease. While the methods of internal mammary artery harvesting used in these operations can be different, the endoscopi...

Background/Introduction Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains an index procedure in cardiac surgery. Despite the increasing use of arterial conduits, the great saphenous vein remains the most widely used conduit due to its ease of harvest, availability and versatility. Traditional open harvesting technique (OVH) is associated with significant wound related morbidity and therefore an en...

Internal mammary artery harvesting is an essential part of any coronary artery bypass operation. Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass graft surgery has become reality in many centers as a safe and effective alternative to conventional surgery in selected patients. Internal mammary artery harvesting is the initial part of the procedure and should be performed equally safely if one wants to ...