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 ...

Our protocol for antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting might be the optimum strategy for addressing excellent vein graft quality and wound healing and routine coronary artery bypass surgery. Synergizeing antegrade endoscopic with bridging vein harvesting techniques enables minimally invasive and tissue protective isolation of high quality vein grafts from the lower leg in elective and urgent cases. Before beginning the procedure, place the instrumental setup for endoscopic vein harvesting near the end of the table and place one 60 centimeter long, 12 centimeter diameter foam rollers under the patient's extended legs below the achilles tendons.Then place one half cylindrical foam roller just above the knee on the side of the graft to avoid overstretched knees and common perineal nerve lesions. To obtain minimally invasive access to the grade saphenous vein, first use institution standard disinfection procedures, octenadine hydrochloride, and a standard sterile covering to achieve aseptic surgical conditions. Next, starting at approximately one index finger above the imagined ankle joint, and proceeding upward parallel to the medial margin of the tibia bone, use a curved number 10 scalpel to make a one point five to two centimeter longitudinal skin incision in the lower leg.Then, starting from the skin incision, use a vessel loop dissecting scissors, a small soft tissue retractor, and a langem beck hook to isolate the vessel four centimeters in each direction by applying the standard bridging vein harvesting technique. Take care to avoid harvesting varicose veins. And to make sure one small finger can easily access the working channel.Before beginning the procedure, connect an extended length endoscope to an optical camera and connect a dissection tip from the endoscopic vessel harvesting system to assemble the optical dissector. Hydrate the optical dissector with saline containing heparin and place a hydrated inflatable blocker balloon over the optical dissector. Then gently insert the optical dissector antegrade and the inflatable blocker balloon into the wound under permanent optical control of the vein.Block the inflatable blocker balloon with 10 milliliters of room air and flood the working channel with carbon dioxide. Confirm that the working channel is extended by the gas pressure and move the dissector antegrade until the imagined proximal medial end of the tibial diaphysis is reached. Gently move the optical dissector above and below the main vessel to isolate the vessel from the majority of the subcutaneous tissue until a clear identification of the side branches is obtained.Take care to preserve the integrity of the peri vascular tissue as much as possible for both graft injury prevention and maximum reduction of mechanisms within the working channel. Then selectively dissect the side branches with one side of the vein preserving the peri vascular tissue as far as possible, before dissecting the other side. Next, remove the optical dissector from the wound and disconnect the dissection tip.Adapt the blocker ballon for the optical retractor and block the working channel with a five milliliter syringe. To assemble the optical retractor, connect the extended length endoscope to the retractor device from the endoscopic vessel harvesting system. Then apply anti-fog fluid to the tip of the endoscope and hydrate the optical retractor with saline supplemented with heparin, before antegrade insertion through the blocked balloon.When the retractor is ready, advance the device antegrade to the end of the working channel. Use the retractor to selectively interrupt the side branches with the bipolar electro coagulation device in a retrograde fashion to release the vein from the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. Flush the lens of the optical camera with heparinized saline if its vision becomes disturbed.When the saphenous vein has been fully isolated, use a number 11 scalpel to execute a stab incision in the skin at the distal end of the dissected vein. Insert a smooth anatomical clamp through the incision. Clamp the vein under optical control with the optical retractor and gently retrieve the vein through the stab incision.Cut off the vein proximally before gently removing the optical retractor through the blocked balloon while simultaneously relieving the distal portion of the vein. Deflate the blocker balloon and remove it from the wound. Then switch off the carbon dioxide.To finish the bridging vein harvesting, execute a stab incision in the skin with a sharp number 11 scalpel at the proximal end of the isolated vein approximately three centimeters above the imagined ankle joint. Insert an anatomical clamp through the stab incision, retrieve the vein through the skin incision under digital and optical control while avoiding injury to the saphenous nerve and clamp the vein under direct vision. Then cut off the vein distally before gently relieving the entire vein graft through the initial minimally invasive surgical access site and cannulating the proximal end with a three milometer flexible vessel canula.Before closing the wound, use a 10 milliliter syringe to gently flush the released venous graft with saline supplemented with heparin, alternating with double clipping of all of the side branches. Store the vein graft in a saline, heparin soaked compress at room temperature. Then use 2-O and 4-O polyglactin 910 sutures respectively to execute subcutaneous and intracutaneous wound closures at the minimally invasive access site.Shown here is the utilized vein graft after completion of the subsequent coronary artery bypass surgery. These data demonstrate the steep learning curve that was required for an experienced cardiac surgeon to successfully perform antegrade endoscopic vein harvest of the great saphenous vein from the lower leg of 28 patients. The graph illustrates the immediate dynamic reduction in time expenditure, starting from the insertion of the optical dissector, until the termination of the vein graft retrieval.These randomized blind microscopic analyses reveal an intact vascular morphology and a completely preserved endothelioid integrity for all of the analyzed vein samples after antegrade endoscopic vein harvest. It is most important to remember three essentials. The positioning of the legs, the directional bridging vein harvesting at the exerside, and the tissue protective antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting.Our protocol could help both cardiac and vascular surgeons to develop their own optimal strategy for high quality vein graft isolation in elective and urgent cases. This step by step video should help you to prepare high quality vein by endoscopic vein harvesting.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

8.5K Views.  University of Rostock. Our protocol for antegrade endoscopic vein harvesting might be the optimum strategy for addressing excellent vein graft quality and wound healing and routine coronary artery bypass surgery. Synergizeing antegrade endoscopic with bridging vein harvesting techniques enables minimally invasive and tissue protective isolation of high quality vein grafts from the lower leg in elective and urgent cases. Before beginning the procedure, place the instrumental setup for endoscopic vein harvesting near...