title: Harmonic scalpel in coronary artery bypass surgery.
abstract: We used the harmonic scalpel (an ultrasonic cutting and coagulating instrument) in coronary artery bypass surgery. The gastroepiploic artery was harvested using coagulating shears. The operating time was reduced without shortening or twisting of the artery. The blade-type was used for hemostasis around the coronary artery and also in dissecting adhesion in redo surgery without any arrhythmias. The absence of electric current passing through the patient contributes to the safety of the harmonic scalpel in coronary artery bypass surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Iwakuni National Hospital, Yamaguchi, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tanemoto
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kanaoka
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Murakami
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuroki
mesh_terms: D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014465:Ultrasonics