title: Vein Harvest: Minimally Invasive Techniques and Reduction in Complications.
abstract: Revascularization of the coronary or lower extremity circulation ideally requires an autologous conduit. The saphenous vein is the most commonly used graft. Minimally invasive surgical techniques for harvesting of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) are gaining popularity. With better instruments, critical evaluation of techniques and longer follow-up of patients, the outcome of such vein harvesting is improving. An increasing number of authors are reporting a variety of techniques with reduction in wound complications compared to conventional surgery.
authors.affiliation: Chief Resident in Surgery, Hospital of St. Raphael, New Haven, CT.
authors.forename: Aziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benbrahim
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kwass
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferneini
authors.forename: Raghu S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Savalgi