A prospective audit of endoscopic vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the feasibility of minimally invasive endoscopic harvesting of the long saphenous vein or radial artery for use as conduit during coronary artery bypass surgery in the NHS setting; and (ii) investigate the results of endoscopic vein harvesting with regards to postoperative complications, ability to mobilise, and patient satisfaction.

Patients And Methods: In this prospective audit, 25 consecutive patients, aged 52-90 years, undergoing either coronary artery bypass grafting alone or together with valve surgery or atrial fibrillation ablation were studied. All data were entered in purpose-designed proforma.