Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2015 Jun;48(3):174-179. 10.5090/kjtcs.2015.48.3.174.

Early Outcomes of Endoscopic Vein Harvesting during the Initial Learning Period

• Kim DY
• Song H
• Kim HW
• Jo GH
• Kang J

• KMID: 2382252
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5090/kjtcs.2015.48.3.174

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) method has been used in coronary artery bypass surgery in many countries. We started using the EVH method recently, and investigated the results during the early learning period.
METHODS
Between March 2012 and June 2014, 75 patients (31 patients in the EVH method group, and 44 patients in the open method group) who underwent isolated first-time coronary artery bypass grafting using vein grafts were retrospectively analyzed with respect to the early outcomes including graft patency and risk factors for leg wound complications. For assessing the patency of vein graft, we performed coronary computed tomography angiography during the immediate postoperative period and 6 months later.
RESULTS
Mean harvesting time of endoscopic method was about 15 minutes. Patency rate during the immediate operative period and the 6-month patency rate were similar between the two groups (postoperative period: EVH 100% vs. open method 94.4%, p=0.493; at 6 months: EVH 93.3% vs. open method 90.9%, p=0.791). Leg wound complications occurred more frequently in the open method group (EVH 3.2% vs. open method 13.6%, p=0.127). According to the analysis, age was an independent risk factor for leg wound complications.
CONCLUSION
EVH is a feasible method even for beginners and can be performed satisfactorily during their learning period.

Keyword

Endoscopic surgical procedure; Vein; Tissue harvesting; Coronary artery bypass

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Coronary Artery Bypass
Endoscopy
Humans
Learning*
Leg
Postoperative Period
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Tissue and Organ Harvesting
Transplants
Veins*
Wounds and Injuries