Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting with a non-sealed approach

Abstract

Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting is considered a safe and effective approach for graft procurement during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. As an alternative to open techniques, minimally invasive approaches are associated with superior outcomes in terms of morbidity and patients' discomfort, without affecting graft quality, patency rate, and long-term outcomes. Both sealed and non-sealed systems are available for endoscopic conduit harvesting. Sealed systems require carbon dioxide gas insufflation, which may have a damaging impact on the endothelium. Non-sealed systems do not require carbon dioxide insufflation and thus avoid the potential drawbacks of its use. In this video tutorial, we provide a thorough description of the surgical technique for endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting using a non-sealed approach.