Techniques, complications, and pitfalls of endoscopic saphenectomy for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Objectives: The purpose of the present paper is to discuss technical features of endoscopic saphenectomy with CO2 insufflation for CABG surgery and to highlight special situations in which to avoid potential pitfalls that may be encountered. Methods: The initial section describes the approaches used with endoscopic saphenectomy with insufflation of CO2 at the Montreal Heart Institute and the Wausau Heart Institute, which can be used by operators with different levels of experience. The following sections expose numerous intraoperative tricks and maneuvers to facilitate the procedure. Specific situations associated with increased difficulty are reviewed such as the obese patient, venous insufficiency, vein tethered to the dermis, and double venous systems. Complications specific to the technique such as gas embolism, tunnelitis, and hematomas are discussed and preventive measures are proposed to avoid the rare morbidity associated with endoscopic harvesting. Preparation of the patient as well as monitoring during the intervention are also reviewed. Results: Adherence to the comprehensive approach presented in this text should to ensure retrieval of high-quality grafts with a low complication rate providing patients with the full benefits, both cardiac and functional, of this minimally invasive technique of saphenous vein harvesting for CABG.