title: Minimally invasive vein harvest: new techniques with old tools.
abstract: Greater saphenous vein harvest has been the focus of increasing applications of endoscopic techniques aimed at reducing wound complication, increasing patient comfort, and providing more acceptable cosmetic results. A retired, reusable, lighted retractor used for breast surgery was adapted using minimally invasive and bridge techniques resulting in decreased incisions, gentle vein handling, decreased harvest to closure time, and better wound healing compared with open techniques.
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, MeritCare Medical Center, Fargo, North Dakota 58123, USA.
authors: R V
authors: RV
authors: Newman
authors: W G
authors: WG
authors: Lammle
mesh_terms: D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation*