Name: synergizing antegrade endoscopic with bridging vein harvesting for improvement of great saphenous vein graft quality from the lower leg
Uploaded: 2019-11-19T12:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Synergizing Antegrade Endoscopic with Bridging Vein Harvesting for Improvement of Great Saphenous Vein Graft Quality from the Lower Leg at JoVE.com

We thank the entire surgical staff for excellent technical assistance.

The study conforms to the Declaration of Helsinki. The protocol follows the guidelines of an independent institutional ethics committee, and human biomaterials were obtained after informed written consent (ethics committee approval: A 2018-0037).
1. Positioning of the legs
NOTE: Patient inclusion criteria included a history of coronary artery disease with elective/urgent indication for CABG surgery and the need for harvesting of at least one venous bypass graft for co...

<ol>
	<li>Kopjar, T., Dashwood, M. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+Versus+"No-Touch"+Saphenous+Vein+Harvesting+for+Coronary+Artery+Bypass+Grafting:+A+Trade-Off+Between+Wound+Healing+and+Graft+Patency.">Endoscopic Versus "No-Touch" Saphenous Vein Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Trade-Off Between Wound Healing and Graft Patency.</a> Angiology. 67 (2), 121-132 (2016).</li><li>Krishnamoorthy, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Study+Comparing+Vein+Integrity+and+Clinical+Outcomes+in+Open+Vein+Harvesting+and+2+Types+of+Endoscopic+Vein+Harvesting+for+Coronary+Artery+Bypass+Grafting:+The+VICO+Randomized+Clinical+Trial+(Vein+Integrity+and+Clinical+Outcomes).">Study Comparing Vein Integrity and Clinical Outcomes in Open Vein Harvesting and 2 Types of Endoscopic Vein Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: The VICO Randomized Clinical Trial (Vein Integrity and Clinical Outcomes).</a> Circulation. 136 (18), 1688-1702 (2017).</li><li>Andreas, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+vein+harvesting+is+influenced+by+patient-related+risk+factors+and+may+be+of+specific+benefit+in+female+patients.">Endoscopic vein harvesting is influenced by patient-related risk factors and may be of specific benefit in female patients.</a> Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery. 17 (4), 603-607 (2013).</li><li>Deppe, A. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+vein+harvesting+for+coronary+artery+bypass+grafting:+a+systematic+review+with+meta-analysis+of+27,789+patients.">Endoscopic vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting: a systematic review with meta-analysis of 27,789 patients.</a> Journal of Surgical Research. 180 (1), 114-124 (2013).</li><li>Kodia, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Graft+patency+after+open+versus+endoscopic+saphenous+vein+harvest+in+coronary+artery+bypass+grafting+surgery:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Graft patency after open versus endoscopic saphenous vein harvest in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 7 (5), 586-597 (2018).</li><li>Krishnamoorthy, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+randomized+study+comparing+three+groups+of+vein+harvesting+methods+for+coronary+artery+bypass+grafting:+endoscopic+harvest+versus+standard+bridging+and+open+techniques.">A randomized study comparing three groups of vein harvesting methods for coronary artery bypass grafting: endoscopic harvest versus standard bridging and open techniques.</a> Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery. 15 (2), 224-228 (2012).</li><li>Harskamp, R. E., Lopes, R. D., Baisden, C. E., de Winter, R. J., Alexander, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Saphenous+vein+graft+failure+after+coronary+artery+bypass+surgery:+pathophysiology,+management,+and+future+directions.">Saphenous vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass surgery: pathophysiology, management, and future directions.</a> Annals of Surgery. 257 (5), 824-833 (2013).</li><li>Paz, M. A., Lupon, J., Bosch, X., Pomar, J. L., Sanz, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Predictors+of+early+saphenous+vein+aortocoronary+bypass+graft+occlusion.+The+GESIC+Study+Group.">Predictors of early saphenous vein aortocoronary bypass graft occlusion. The GESIC Study Group.</a> The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 56 (5), 1101-1106 (1993).</li><li>Lopes, R. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Project+of+Ex+Vivo+Vein+Graft+Engineering+via+Transfection+IV+(PREVENT+IV)+Investigators.+Relationship+between+vein+graft+failure+and+subsequent+clinical+outcomes+after+coronary+artery+bypass+surgery.">Project of Ex Vivo Vein Graft Engineering via Transfection IV (PREVENT IV) Investigators. Relationship between vein graft failure and subsequent clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery.</a> Circulation. 125 (6), 749-756 (2012).</li><li>Goldman, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Predictors+of+graft+patency+3+years+after+coronary+artery+bypass+graft+surgery.+Department+of+Veterans+Affairs+Cooperative+Study+Group+No.+297.">Predictors of graft patency 3 years after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study Group No. 297.</a> Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 29 (7), 1563-1568 (1997).</li><li>Sarzaeem, M. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Scoring+system+for+predicting+saphenous+vein+graft+patency+in+coronary+artery+bypass+grafting.">Scoring system for predicting saphenous vein graft patency in coronary artery bypass grafting.</a> Texas Heart Institute Journal. 37 (5), 525-530 (2010).</li><li>Yerebakan, C., Kaminski, A., Liebold, A., Steinhoff, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Safety+of+intramyocardial+stem+cell+therapy+for+the+ischemic+myocardium:+results+of+the+Rostock+trial+after+5-year+follow-up.">Safety of intramyocardial stem cell therapy for the ischemic myocardium: results of the Rostock trial after 5-year follow-up.</a> Cell Transplantation. 16 (9), 935-940 (2007).</li><li>Stamm, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intramyocardial+delivery+of+CD133++bone+marrow+cells+and+coronary+artery+bypass+grafting+for+chronic+ischemic+heart+disease:+safety+and+efficacy+studies.">Intramyocardial delivery of CD133+ bone marrow cells and coronary artery bypass grafting for chronic ischemic heart disease: safety and efficacy studies.</a> The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 133 (3), 717-725 (2007).</li><li>Kinoshita, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bilateral+versus+single+internal+thoracic+artery+grafting+in+dialysis+patients+with+multivessel+disease.">Bilateral versus single internal thoracic artery grafting in dialysis patients with multivessel disease.</a> The Heart Surgery Forum. 13 (5), 280-286 (2010).</li><li>Grau, J. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Propensity+matched+analysis+of+bilateral+internal+mammary+artery+versus+single+left+internal+mammary+artery+grafting+at+17-year+follow-up:+validation+of+a+contemporary+surgical+experience.">Propensity matched analysis of bilateral internal mammary artery versus single left internal mammary artery grafting at 17-year follow-up: validation of a contemporary surgical experience.</a> European Journal of Cardio Thoracic Surgery. 41 (4), 770-776 (2012).</li><li>Lytle, B. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+of+bilateral+internal+thoracic+artery+grafting+on+survival+during+20+postoperative+years.">The effect of bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting on survival during 20 postoperative years.</a> The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 78 (6), 2005-2014 (2004).</li><li>Lytle, B. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prolonging+patency--choosing+coronary+bypass+grafts.">Prolonging patency--choosing coronary bypass grafts.</a> The New England Journal of Medicine. 351 (22), 2262-2264 (2004).</li><li>Kiani, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+venous+harvesting+by+inexperienced+operators+compromises+venous+graft+remodeling.">Endoscopic venous harvesting by inexperienced operators compromises venous graft remodeling.</a> The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 93 (1), 11-18 (2012).</li><li>Nezafati, M. H., Nezafati, P., Amoueian, S., Attaranzadeh, A., Rahimi, H. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Immunohistochemistry+comparing+endoscopic+vein+harvesting+vs.+open+vein+harvesting+on+saphenous+vein+endothelium.">Immunohistochemistry comparing endoscopic vein harvesting vs. open vein harvesting on saphenous vein endothelium.</a> Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. 9, 101 (2014).</li><li>Garc&#237;a-Alt&#233;s, A., Peir&#243;, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+systematic+review+of+cost-effectiveness+evidence+of+endoscopic+saphenous+vein+harvesting:+is+it+efficient.">A systematic review of cost-effectiveness evidence of endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting: is it efficient.</a> European Journal Of Vascular And Endovascular Surgery. 41 (6), 831-836 (2011).</li><li>Rustenbach, C. J., Wachter, K., Franke, U. F. W., Baumbach, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Expanding+Surgical+Opportunities:+Endoscopic+Harvesting+of+the+Vena+Saphena+Parva+in+Supine+Position.">Expanding Surgical Opportunities: Endoscopic Harvesting of the Vena Saphena Parva in Supine Position.</a> The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon. 65 (4), 322-324 (2017).</li><li>Raja, S. G., Sarang, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+vein+harvesting:+technique,+outcomes,+concerns+&amp;+controversies.">Endoscopic vein harvesting: technique, outcomes, concerns &amp; controversies.</a> Journal of Thoracic Disease. 5, 630-637 (2013).</li><li>Desai, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Impact+of+the+learning+curve+for+endoscopic+vein+harvest+on+conduit+quality+and+early+graft+patency.">Impact of the learning curve for endoscopic vein harvest on conduit quality and early graft patency.</a> The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 91, 1385-1392 (2011).</li><li>Luckraz, H., Cartwright, C., Nagarajan, K., Kaur, P., Nevill, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Major+adverse+cardiac+and+cerebrovascular+event+and+patients'+quality+of+life+after+endoscopic+vein+harvesting+as+compared+with+open+vein+harvest+(MAQEH):+a+pilot+study.">Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event and patients' quality of life after endoscopic vein harvesting as compared with open vein harvest (MAQEH): a pilot study.</a> Open Heart. 5, 000694 (2018).</li><li>Khan, S. Z., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+vein+harvest+does+not+negatively+affect+patency+of+great+saphenous+vein+lower+extremity+bypass.">Endoscopic vein harvest does not negatively affect patency of great saphenous vein lower extremity bypass.</a> Journal of Vascular Surgery. 63 (6), 1546-1554 (2016).</li><li>Santo, V. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Open+versus+endoscopic+great+saphenous+vein+harvest+for+lower+extremity+revascularization+of+critical+leg+ischemia.">Open versus endoscopic great saphenous vein harvest for lower extremity revascularization of critical leg ischemia.</a> Journal of Vascular Surgery. 59 (2), 427-434 (2014).</li></ol>

It should be stated that we prefer complete arterial coronary revascularization in our department. There is rising evidence that CABG using bilateral internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts can significantly improve long-term survival of patients14,15,16,17. However, there are valid reasons for a &#34;single IMA plus vein grafts&#34; strategy, especially in patients at advanced ages, patients with...

Open atraumatic &#34;low-touch&#34; and &#34;no-touch&#34; techniques have been developed over the years for harvesting saphenous veins in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or peripheral bypass grafting, producing grafts with excellent endothelial integrity and long-term patency. However, wound complications remain a major problem when using the open technique, especially in obese, diabetic, and chronic venous insufficiency patients1,2,3,4. The question arises of how physicians can harvest the saphenous vein with optimal graft quality and reduced risk for wound complications. Endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) techniques have been proven to be cost-effective, and clinical outcome parameters are comparable with the open technique. However, strategies protecting endothelial integrity, histological structure, and physiological function of vein grafts during EVH are highly appreciated in order to preserve optimal graft quality2. Recent studies have presented superior graft patency after open harvesting compared to endoscopic techniques5. It has also been shown that bridging vein harvest techniques can directly improve vein quality6. Therefore, it is hypothesized that vein graft harvesting may be advanced through synergizing antegrade EVH with minimally invasive bridging vein harvesting, specific leg positioning, and vein isolation in a tensionless working channel.
To date, conventional EVH techniques for harvesting great saphenous veins have used antegrade approaches for the upper leg and retrograde approaches for the lower leg. However, we have experienced limitations of these techniques and hold concerns about graft quality. The great saphenous vein from the knee and upper leg frequently have revealed numerous side branches and occasionally shown dilated vessel diameter, leading to impaired vessel quality and mismatching of conduit and target vessels that can negatively affect long-term graft patency after CABG and re-revascularization rate7,8,9,10,11. In our experience, the retrograde EVH approach for the lower leg has repetitively resulted in prolonged blood stasis inside the vessel (with augmented intravenous blood pressure due to closed venous valves), increased mechanical stress on the tissue, bleeding, thrombus formations, graft damage, and impaired graft quality. Consequently, this standardized protocol was developed for safe antegrade EVH from the lower leg, combining the bridging vein harvest technique for minimally invasive access site with antegrade EVH in a tensionless working channel for adequate vein graft quality.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>disposable scalpel (size 11, Pr&#228;zisa Plus)</td>
			<td>Dahlhausen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>a</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>small curved smooth (anatomical) clamps </td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>b</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>toothed (surgical) forceps</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>c</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>surgical scissors </td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>d</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>holder for scalpel blade (size 10)</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>e</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fine smoth (anatomical) forcep</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>f</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sponge-holding clamp</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>g</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>clipping device</td>
			<td>Fumedica, Switzerland</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>h</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18 Gauge cannula (Sterican)</td>
			<td>B. Braun, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>i</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>light handle</td>
			<td>Simeon Medical, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>j</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>needle holder</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>k</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>tissue retractor</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>l</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Redon needle</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>m</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>adhesive hook and loop fastener</td>
			<td>M&#246;lnlycke, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>n</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>extended length endoscope </td>
			<td>Karl Storz, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>o</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>optical cable</td>
			<td>Karl Storz, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>p</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>transparent drap camera cover</td>
			<td>ECOLAB Healthcare, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>q</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>connection cable for electrocauterisation</td>
			<td>Maquet, Getinge Group, Germany </td>
			<td></td>
			<td>r</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>gas insufflation set</td>
			<td>Dahlhausen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>s</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fred Anti-Fog Solution </td>
			<td>Medtronic, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>t</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>bipolar electrocoagulation device </td>
			<td>Maquet, Getinge Group, Germany </td>
			<td></td>
			<td>u</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>monitor (WideView)</td>
			<td>Karl Storz, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>v</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>light source (xenon 300)</td>
			<td>Karl Storz, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>w</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>gas insufflation controller (Endoflator)</td>
			<td>Karl Storz, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>x</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>half-cylindrical foam roller</td>
			<td>Almatros, Gebr. Albrecht KG, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>y</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>full-cylindrical foam roller</td>
			<td>Almatros, Gebr. Albrecht KG, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>z</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>bulldog clamp</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>aa</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>flexible vessel cannula</td>
			<td>Medtronic, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>ab</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>vessel loop (Mediloops)</td>
			<td>Dispomedica, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>ac</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin-Natrium (5000 U) in 200ml saline</td>
			<td>B. Braun, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>ad</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Langenbeck hooks</td>
			<td>B. Braun Aesculap, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>ae</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sutures (polygalctin 910, Vicryl 2-0, 4-0; poly ethylene terephthalate, Ethibond 2-0)</td>
			<td>Ethicon, Johnson &#38; Johnson, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>af</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endoscopic vessel harvesting system, Vasoview Hemopro II</td>
			<td>Maquet, Getinge Group, Germany </td>
			<td></td>
			<td>ag</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octenidindihydrochloride, Octeniderm</td>
			<td>Schuelke &#38; Mayr GmbH, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

synergizing antegrade endoscopic with bridging vein harvesting for improvement of great saphenous vein graft quality from the lower leg

Antegrade endoscopic harvesting of autografts for bypass grafting may be an optimal strategy addressing excellent graft quality and reduced post-operative wound complications. This standardized protocol for antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) from the lower leg has the potential to be introduced to routine coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients undergoing CABG surgery are positioned on a surgical table with two additional foam rollers below the extended legs, enabling antegrade EVH from the lower leg. Following minimally invasive surgical access through a bridging vein harvest technique, an endoscopic optical dissector is inserted antegrade into the wound. The main vessel and side branches are dissected under continuous optical control of vein quality status and the working channel. After, an endoscopic optical retractor is inserted with an internal bipolar electrocoagulation device for precise, safe, and tissue-protective interruption of side branches. After release of the vein, the vessel is cut off at the proximal and distal ends under optical control, retrieved from the wound, then cannulated and flushed with heparinized saline. Finally, all side branches of the vein graft are double-clipped. Vascular histology is analyzed in a randomized selection of vein samples. After applying this standardized EVH protocol, the learning curve was shown to be steep, and graft quality was sufficient for coronary artery bypass grafting in every case. There was no conversion to surgical harvesting and low risks for tissue damage and bleeding. Leg positioning and synergizing EVH with bridging vein harvesting improved procedural success and vein graft quality. In our hands, antegrade EVH from the lower leg was feasible, demonstrating straightforward graft dissection as well as adequate macroscopic and microscopic graft quality with preserved endothelial integrity. In conclusion, the introduced technique is safe, shows excellent vein autograft quality, and illustrates feasibility for elective and urgent isolated CABG and combined CABG scenarios.

A steep learning curve was demonstrated for an experienced cardiac surgeon performing antegrade EVH of the great saphenous vein from the lower leg (Figure 4). There were no conversions to surgical harvesting. However, there were four cases of vein injury in the beginning of the learning curve. In three of the four cases, major injuries occurred at the distal portion of the vein because of an inadequately narrow working channel when the surgeon isolated the vein above the tibial metaphysis. D...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Synergizing Antegrade Endoscopic with Bridging Vein Harvesting for Improvement of Great Saphenous Vein Graft Quality from the Lower Leg at JoVE.com

Synergizing Antegrade Endoscopic with Bridging Vein Harvesting for Improvement of Great Saphenous Vein Graft Quality from the Lower Leg

Presented here is a protocol for antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting from the lower leg, which can safely be introduced in routine coronary artery bypass grafting. Vein grafts present excellent graft quality following this standardized protocol with positioning of the legs, minimally invasive access to the vein, and antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting.

Antegrade endoscopic harvesting of autografts for bypass grafting may be an optimal strategy addressing excellent graft quality and reduced post-operative ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Training a Sophisticated Microsurgical Technique: Interposition of External Jugular Vein Graft in the Common Carotid Artery in Rats

Neointimal hyperplasia is one the primary causes of stenosis in arterialized veins that are of great importance in arterial coronary bypass surgery, in ...

Vein Interposition Model: A Suitable Model to Study Bypass Graft Patency

Bypass grafting is an established treatment method for coronary artery disease. Graft patency continues to be the Achilles heel of saphenous vein grafts. ...

Repeated Blood Collection from Tail Vein of Non-Anesthetized Rats with a Vacuum Blood Collection System

Blood can be collected from rats in a number of sampling locations. For instance, the tail vein is a superior location for blood sampling. However, the ...

Blood Collection Through Subclavian Vein Puncture in Mice

The mouse is the foremost mammalian model for studying human disease and human health. However, blood sample collection from mice is challenging in ...

Using a Chemical Biopsy for Graft Quality Assessment

Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment for a large number of people with end-stage renal dysfunction worldwide. The procedure is associated ...

Repetitive Blood Sampling from the Subclavian Vein of Conscious Rat

Rats are widely used in pharmacokinetics (PK) and toxicokinetic (TK) studies that need to collect a certain amount of blood at specific time points to ...

Establishment and Evaluation of a Porcine Vein Graft Disease Model

Venous graft disease (VGD) is the leading cause of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) failure. Large animal models of CABG-VGD are needed for the ...

Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane

We present the preliminary results of a longitudinal observational study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety at different short- and ...

Human Saphenous Vein Endothelial Cell Isolation and Exposure to Controlled Levels of Shear Stress and Stretch

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a procedure to revascularize ischemic myocardium. Saphenous vein remains used as a CABG conduit despite the ...

Comparative Study of Blood Collection Techniques in Rats

Modified Tail Vein and Penile Vein Puncture for Blood Sampling in the Rat Model

Context Dependent Blood Collection Methods in Rats (Video) | JoVE

Blood samples are required in most experimental animal designs to assess various hematological parameters. This paper presents two procedures for blood ...