title: Initial experience with endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting in Chinese patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to investigate the initial experience of endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Chinese patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty patients scheduled for isolated CABG were prospectively randomized into an EVH group (n = 20) and an open vein harvesting (OVH) group (n = 20). Clinical data were collected, and all of the vein grafts were assessed by macroscopic appearance, histologic quality (endothelial integrity), and functional characteristics of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 2 groups were similar with respect to hospital mortality (EVH group, 0; OVH group, 1; P = 1). There were no postoperative myocardial infarctions in either group and no deaths or reinterventions in either group during the follow-up period. Harvesting times in the 2 groups were similar (EVH, 12.15 ± 2.32 min; OVH, 12.55 ± 2.11 min; P = .571). Three patients in the EVH group were converted to a partly open or skin-bridge technique. Electrocautery at least 2 mm distal to the origin of the side branch was the safety margin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of EVH in Chinese patients was not related to adverse events and may be safely used for CABG procedures. Preoperative duplex mapping, systemic heparinization before harvesting, minimal surgical manipulation, and sectioning of side branches at least 2 mm distal to the origin may help improve the quality of vein grafts harvested with EVH and maximize the benefit of this less-invasive technique.
authors: Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Northern Hospital, Shenyang, People's Republic of China. huishanwang@hotmail.com
authors: Huishan
authors: H
authors: Wang
authors: Haibo
authors: H
authors: Wu
authors: Hui
authors: H
authors: Jiang
authors: Zengwei
authors: Z
authors: Wang
authors: Evginij
authors: E
authors: Potapov
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Stepanenko
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000378:metabolism; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III