title: Video-assisted endoscopic saphenous vein harvest: an evolving technique.
abstract: Saphenous vein harvest is a necessary step in many cardiac and peripheral vascular reconstructions. However, saphenectomy is not inconsequential and can lead to short- and long-term morbidity. To avoid the morbidity, new technology has been developed to remove the saphenous vein with limited incisions using video-assisted, or endoscopic, techniques. Although a number of manufacturers have developed equipment for this purpose, we have developed expertise with the Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Cincinnati, OH) system. We have used this technique for more than 100 lower-extremity bypass operations with minimal wound complications and satisfactory revascularization. The technical features of this operation are presented.
authors.affiliation: Section of Vascular Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Goldberg
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*