Clipless skeletonized internal mammary artery harvesting with harmonic technology

Abstract

Since the introduction of the mammary artery harvesting procedure, electrocautery has been used as a standard method of care. However, mammary artery spasm, subadventitial haematoma and mammary artery damage due to clips dispositioning or high thermal energy injury have been recorded. To achieve a perfect mammary artery graft, we propose the usage of a high-frequency ultrasound device, usually recognized as a harmonic scalpel. It reduces thermal-related injuries, the use of clips and the risk of mammary artery spasm and/or dissection.

Keywords: CABG; Conduit harvesting; Harvesting technique; IMA harvesting; Internal mammary artery.