'Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery'
Doi
Abstract
Background: The endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) method has been used in coronary artery bypass surgery in
many countries. We started using the EVH method recently, and investigated the results during the early learning
period. Methods: Between March 2012 and June 2014, 75 patients (31 patients in the EVH method group, and
44 patients in the open method group) who underwent isolated first-time coronary artery bypass grafting using vein
grafts were retrospectively analyzed with respect to the early outcomes including graft patency and risk factors for
leg wound complications. For assessing the patency of vein graft, we performed coronary computed tomography
angiography during the immediate postoperative period and 6 months later. Results: Mean harvesting time of endoscopic
method was about 15 minutes. Patency rate during the immediate operative period and the 6-month patency
rate were similar between the two groups (postoperative period: EVH 100% vs. open method 94.4%,
p=0.493; at 6 months: EVH 93.3% vs. open method 90.9%, p=0.791). Leg wound complications occurred more frequently
in the open method group (EVH 3.2% vs. open method 13.6%, p=0.127). According to the analysis, age
was an independent risk factor for leg wound complications. Conclusion: EVH is a feasible method even for beginners
and can be performed satisfactorily during their learning period
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