title: Minimally invasive cardiac surgery for removal of the greater saphenous vein.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if saphenous vein required for coronary bypass could be quickly, easily and safely removed with a minimally invasive technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  A consecutive series.
  
  
  METHODS
  A university centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  In cadavers, a standard mediastinoscope was used to remove segments of the greater saphenous vein. Thigh segments, superior leg segments and ankle segments were removed. Fifteen minutes were allowed for removal of a segment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Segments of vein 15 to 17 cm long could be removed. One segment could not be removed within 15 minutes. Thigh segments were easy to remove, calf segments were the most difficult. There were no avulsed side branches. All incisions were less than 5 cm long.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Saphenous vein can be harvested quickly and safely by a minimally invasive method. Lower extremity complications may be reduced and long-term patency improved with this in-situ technique of vein removal.
authors.affiliation: Division of Candiovascular Surgery, Toronto Hospital, Ont.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Cusimano
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dale
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Butany
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*