Modified carbodissection: A new technique for harvesting the internal mammary artery.

The modified carbodissection technique is a new technique for harvesting the internal mammary artery during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. It is performed using an improvised instrument that consists of an electrocautery device and a carbon dioxide blower/mister. It combines electrocautery dissection and continuous controlled gas blow dissection along with saline irrigation mist. Gas dissection causes vasodilation and maintains the artery in a dilated state during dissection. Saline flow reduces the amount of heat generated at the cautery site and prevents drying and desiccation of the tissues. This technique is safe in terms of reduced thermal injury, and reduced early arterial spasm and myocardial ischemia, and it improves vision during harvest and shortens the duration of the harvesting procedure.