Endoscopic radial artery harvesting: our initial experience and results of the first 25 patients.

BACKGROUND

The radial artery has become an increasingly popular arterial conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the traditional open harvesting technique requires a long incision, and is therefore associated with some wound complications and cosmetic problems. Here, we describe our experience of endoscopic radial artery harvesting (ERAH) through a small incision in 25 patients who underwent CABG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 2, 2004 and January 7, 2005, a total of 25 patients (4 females; mean age: 64+/-10 years) underwent ERAH using the VasoView System (Guidant Corporation, Indianapolis, IN) at our institution. All patients underwent a preoperative Allen test to assess the competence of the palmer arch. Twenty-four radial arteries were harvested from the nondominant arm and one from the dominant arm. The mean clinical follow-up was 8+/-2.9 months.

RESULTS

All radial arteries were harvested through a 2-cm incision at the wrist, successfully removed with ERAH and successfully used as CABG conduits. The mean harvest time was 59+/-11 min, and the mean harvested length was 17+/-1.7 cm. No adjunctive procedures were required during vessel harvesting, and no conversions to the open technique were necessary. Harvesting complications included 2 cases of postoperative hematoma and 7 cases of superficial radial nerve paresthesia. Five postoperative angiographies were performed and all radial arteries were patent. Overall, 24/25 (96%) patients were satisfied with the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The ERAH technique was performed as safely as the traditional open technique and the harvested radial arteries were acceptable as CABG conduits. In particular, patient satisfaction with the procedure regarding the cosmetic results was excellent.