Lymphedema after saphenous harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery: case report and literature review

BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2024 Jan 12;24(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s12872-024-03712-6.

Abstract

Different causes have been described for secondary lymphedema as reported in this article. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with lymphedema about one decade after saphenous harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery. It took two years for him to find out his diagnosis and receive the proper treatment. After standard complete decongestive therapy, his volume and pain decreased and his quality of life was improved, especially its physical aspect. It is important to recognize the possibility of lymphedema development after saphenous harvesting among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery to prevent significant disturbance of quality of life with timely management.

Keywords: Coronary artery bypass; Lymphedema; Quality of life; Saphenous harvesting.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphedema* / etiology
  • Male
  • Quality of Life*
  • Saphenous Vein / diagnostic imaging
  • Saphenous Vein / surgery
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / adverse effects