Comparison of endoscopic versus conventional internal mammary harvesting regarding unligated side branches.

Background: In an effort to minimise access in cardiac surgery, endoscopic vessel harvesting has become more popular. The endoscopic approach, however, allows for only the harvest of the mid to distal internal mammary artery (IMA), leaving the more proximal branches of the conduit available for collateral flow away from the coronary bed.

Aim: To compare the number and anatomic variation of remaining side branches in thoracoscopic vs.