Endovascular vein harvest: systemic carbon dioxide absorption.
OBJECTIVE
Endovascular vein harvest (EDVH) requires CO(2) insufflation to expand the subcutaneous space, allowing visualization and dissection of the saphenous vein. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of CO(2) absorption during EDVH.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Single tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
Sixty patients (30 EDVH and 30 open-vein harvest) undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery.


METHODS
Hemodynamic, procedural, and laboratory data were collected prior to (baseline), during, and at it the conclusion (final) of vein harvesting. Data were also collected during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Data were compared by using t tests, analysis of variance, and correlation statistics when needed.


RESULTS
There were significant increases in arterial CO(2) (PaCO(2), 35%) and decreases in pH (1.35%) during EDVH. These were associated with increases in heart rate, mean blood pressure, and cardiac output. Within the EDVH group, greater elevations (>10 mmHg) in PaCO2 were more likely during difficult harvest procedures, and these patients exhibited greater increase in heart rate. Elevated CO(2) persisted during CPB, requiring higher systemic gas flows and greater use of phenylephrine to maintain desired hemodynamics.


CONCLUSIONS
EDVH was associated with systemic absorption of CO(2). Greater absorption was more likely in difficult procedures and was associated with greater hemodynamic changes requiring medical therapy.
Maslow
Andrew M
AM
Department of Anesthesiology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, 02903, USA. amaslow@rcn.com
Schwartz
Carl S
CS
Bert
Arthur
A
Hurlburt
Peter
P
Gough
Jeffrey
J
Stearns
Gary
G
Singh
Arun K
AK
D000042:Absorption; D000368:Aged; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide