COMPARISON OF THE OUTCOMES AFTER ENDOSCOPIC VEIN HARVESTING VERSUS OPEN
VEIN HARVESTING FOR CORONARY BYPASS SURGERY
Abstract
Minimally invasive endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) was first reported
in 1996 as an alternative to open vein harvesting (OVH). Making coronary
artery bypass surgery a less invasive procedure, shortly after its
introduction, it became the standard of care for conduit harvesting.
When compared to the conventional technique, the incidence of site
infections wound dehiscence, delayed healing, duration of
hospitalization, and postoperative pain were markedly reduced. However,
the long-term outcomes, safety, and graft patency remain uncertain.
Herein is an extensive literature review discussing the outcomes
following endoscopic vein harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
(CABG) as well as its advantages and disadvantages.