Novel no touch technique of saphenous vein harvesting: Is great graft patency rate provided?

Ann Card Anaesth. 2016 Jul-Sep;19(3):481-8. doi: 10.4103/0971-9784.185537.

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery effectively relieves signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia. The left internal thoracic artery (LITA) graft is the gold standard having 90-95% patency rate at 10 years, whereas only 50% of saphenous vein (SV) grafts are patent at 10 years. However, there is a novel "no touch" technique in order to harvest an SV complete with its cushion of surrounding tissue, thus maintaining its endothelium-intact. Significantly superior short- and long-term graft patency rates comparable to LITA grafts can be achieved. Consequently, the SV may be revived as an important conduit in coronary artery bypass surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Artery Bypass / methods*
  • Humans
  • Saphenous Vein / surgery*
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Patency*
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods*