title: Subcutaneous, video-assisted saphenous vein harvest: report of the first 30 cases.
abstract: Harvest of the saphenous vein is a commonly performed procedure in cardiovascular surgery. The incision required for its removal is the longest used anywhere. In this report, the authors describe a minimally invasive technique for removal of the vein. This has been used in 30 patients undergoing peripheral arterial bypass (n = 27), venovenous bypass (n = 2), and a saphenopopliteal fistula (n = 1). There were three perioperative complications: skin necrosis over tunnel (one), bulla (one), and saphenous vein injury (one). Harvest time averaged 1.25 h. There was minimal postoperative discomfort in the harvest site and minimal scarring. Endoscopic harvest of the saphenous vein differs from most laparoscopic procedures because of its linear course. Consequently, visualization and dissection is coaxial rather than triangulation. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of vein harvest. Development of appropriate instrumentation for opening the optical cavity and vein manipulation will reduce operative times.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Lumsden
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Eaves
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ofenloch
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Jordan
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D014741:Video Recording