Minimally Invasive Long Saphenous Vein Harvesting Using a Laryngoscope

(#1998-35773 ... January 30, 1998)

George T. Stavridis, M.D.¹, Dimitrios Bobos¹, Faedra Matsouka², Stavroula Lacoumenta, M.D., F.F.A.R.C.S.², Peter A. Alivizatos, M.D., F.A.C.S.¹

The Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre, Athens, Greece.
¹ First Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantation
² Department of Anaesthetics

ABSTRACT

Background: Traditional open incisions for long saphenous vein (LSV) harvesting are common sources of post operative complications after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). To reduce pain and wound healing complications, minimally invasive harvesting techniques are being developed. We have investigated the use of a conventional laryngoscope for cost effective saphenous removal using short incisions and long subcutaneous tunnels.

Methods: The LSV was exposed through small incisions connected by long subcutaneous tunnels. Soft tissue retraction, visualization and illumination were provided by a sterilized laryngoscope with a #3 or #4 Macintosh blade. Dissection was performed with standard instruments while branch ligation was performed with vascular clips. Thirty two patients undergoing CABG between October 1997 and January 1998 underwent minimally invasive vein harvesting assisted by a laryngoscope. Clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results: There were 27 males and 5 females with a mean age of 62.6 ± 9.3 years in this study. Adequate saphenous vein was removed in 29 of 32 cases. (In three patients, the vein was so superficial that an open incision proved easier). The length of harvested conduit averaged 38.2 ±11.01 centimeters (21-55 centimeters). Harvesting time average 37.1 minutes (±10.8 minutes; range from 20 to 62 minutes). Postoperatively, There were no wound dehiscences, infections, cellulitis, or major hematomas. Pain and leg edema were considerably less than with traditional open harvest.

Conclusions: Minimally invasive vein harvesting is less traumatic to the extremity with fewer complications and superior patient satisfaction. Although commercial disposable systems are now available to permit minimally invasive harvesting of the saphenous vein, a conventional laryngoscope can be used with much reduced costs.

AUTHOR/ARTICLE INFORMATION

Reprint requests to: 1st Dept. of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantation, Dept. of Anaesthetics, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre, Athens 17674, Greece

Selected as Best Video Manuscript, New Era Cardiac Care, Rancho Mirage, CA, USA, Jan, 1998

Submitted on: January 30, 1998

Keywords: Greater saphenous vein (GSV), long saphenous vein (LSV), minimally invasive vein harvesting, laryngoscope, Miller blade.