title: Endoscopic vein harvest of the lesser saphenous vein in the supine position: a unique approach to an old problem.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To obtain a suitable conduit from the lesser (short) saphenous system for use in coronary artery bypass surgery. We wanted to perform this while the patient was in the supine position as to not disrupt the standard operation, and at the same time, utilizing the endoscopic vein harvest technique with its obvious abilities to decrease vein harvest morbidity. We also theorized that through endoscopic techniques instead of the open technique we could harvest greater lengths of conduit, thus providing quality vein segments for additional grafts if needed.
  
  
  METHODS
  We were able to perform endoscopic vein harvest while in the supine position with one unique centrally located incision that has not been previously described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The lesser saphenous vein harvested in the described technique provided excellent conduit for our patients that were conduit poor. The endoscopic technique allowed increased length of harvested segments, by giving us the ability to travel under the gastrocnemius muscle with minimal morbidity as opposed to the open technique, where the traditional endpoint is the aforementioned muscle. Conduits were harvested successfully from 14 of 16 candidates. No wound infections or healing problems were experienced. Neurovascular integrity was maintained in all patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic vein harvest of the lesser saphenous vein with the patient in the supine position is safe, effective and affords conduits for a unique subset of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
authors.affiliation: East Tennessee Cardiovascular Surgery Group, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA. pbrandtpa-c@comcast.net
authors.forename: C Phillip
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Brandt
authors.forename: G Clark
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Maggart
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Lacy E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Harville
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Pollard
authors.forename: Chadwick W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Stouffer
mesh_terms: D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D056888:Patient Positioning; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D016683:Supine Position; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome