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Less Invasive Radial Artery Harvest
(#2001-6833 ... June 27, 2001)
Massimo Massetti, MD, Gerard Babatasi, MD, Phd, Piergiorgio Bruno, MD, Olivier Le Page, MD, Eugenio Neri, MD, Patrick Nataf, MD, J. L.Ouis Gerard, MD, Andre Khayat, MD
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Department, University Hospital, Caen, France
Presented at the Fourth Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery, June 27-30, 2001, Munich, Germany.
ABSTRACT
Background: Recent studies have sparked a renewed interest in the use of autogenous radial arteries in coronary operations. Some concerns have been found about sequelae of conventional harvesting. A less invasive technique for radial artery harvesting has been proposed by others using endoscopic devices.This technique is time consuming, needs expensive instrumentation and an important learning curve.
Methods: A new less invasive approach for radial harvesting has been developed with a light assisted retractor under direct vision. A small skin incision, median in the forearm, is followed by dissection of the proper plane of the artery. A subcutaneous tunnel is created around the vessel and all the branches are ligated or clipped. The dissection of the pedicle under the skin is completed with the aid of a modified light assisted retractor, originally designed for the saphenous vein harvesting. The incision is closed after heparin reversal with a small redon as drainage.
Results: A preliminary serie of 15 patients have been operated with this technique. In all patients the radial artery was patent and functional at the postoperative angiography. Morbidity included only a light hematoma at the beginning of our experience.
Conclusion: This less invasive technique for the radial artery harvesting appears to be an excellent surgical compromise between the ÒopenÓ technique and the endoscopic procedure; it is easy to perform, the learning curve is acceptable and it offers an excellent aesthetic result.
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