[Saphenous vein harvesting techniques for coronary artery bypass grafting]

Abstract

The saphenous vein is a frequently used graft material in coronary artery bypass grafting. In this review, three harvesting techniques are presented, and their benefits and disadvantages are discussed. Endoscopic harvesting (EVH) has reduced harvest site complications. The method is safe in terms of mortality, myocardial infarction and revascu-larisation frequency compared with open vein harvesting. A recent meta-analysis recommends EVH as first of choice. The no-touch technique has shown a tendency towards increased graft patency, however, further studies are needed in comparing this technique with EVH.