Comparative results of the great saphenous vein endoscopic and open harvesting at coronary artery bypass

We present the results obtained in 96 patients with endoscopic vein harvesting and 109 patients with open vein harvesting after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). In the course of the study data were analyzed from the intraoperative period of vein harvesting stage in dependence on the method of its harvesting, and the level of postoperative pain, frequency and nature of wound complications of the lower extremities at the hospital stage. The results demonstrated the advantages in the group of endoscopic vein harvesting: a significant reduction in surgical injury and reduced postoperative complications rate at good quality of the venous conduit. The method of the endoscopic vein harvesting is safe alternative to the method of open vein harvesting and is particularly recommended for patients with diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis of the lower extremities.