Minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting--comparison of three less invasive methods.

INTRODUCTION: Saphenous vein is routinely harvested using one or a few long continuous skin incisions. This method is associated with typical healing complications such as oedemas, pain, necrosis, what often restricts proper rehabilitation. An alternative minimally invasive techniques may decrease these complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective randomised trial compared outcomes associated with saphenous vein harvested using three minimally invasive techniques versus a traditional longitudinal incision. RESULTS: In the less invasive group we observed statistically significant improvement in all estimated parameters of wound healing, oedemas and pain. We present also costs analysis between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that less invasive techniques of saphenous vein harvesting may be alternatively introduced in coronary bypass surgery.