Why is the saphenous vein harvested?

The saphenous vein is generally acceptable as a conduit in the absence of other vascular pathologies in the leg (varicosities in the vein, venous insufficiency, previous deep vein thrombosis [DVT], or small lumen diameter) or overlying infection.

What is the most popular vein to harvest for CABG?

The internal mammary artery is regarded as the primary conduit for CABG patients, given its association with long-term patency and survival. However, long saphenous vein (LSV) continues to be utilized universally as patients presenting for CABG often have multiple coronary territories requiring revascularization.

What causes CABG graft failure?

Late (beyond 1 year) graft failure is primarily due to progressive atherosclerosis, which occurs over the already injured endothelium. Compared to native coronary artery atheroma, SVG atherosclerosis is more diffuse and concentric, yet less calcified [25].

What is the average age for bypass surgery?

The mean age of bypass patients was 68.5 years with 38% being 70 years or older. The left ventricular ejection fraction in patients undergoing CABS averaged 38%. The average number of bypasses performed was 3.1.

Do veins grow back after harvesting?

Veins are not organs. They are part of the connective tissue of the body and are programmed to grow back again after any trauma.

Where is saphenous vein harvested?

EVH of the saphenous vein begins by making a small incision just above the medial aspect of the knee to obtain ~ 35 cm of graft, or by making an additional incision 2-3 cm above the medial malleolus to capture the entire ~70 cm length of the vein.

What is a saphenous vein graft?

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are the most frequently used conduits for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery but are associated with 10-year vein graft failure (VGF) rates of 40−50%.

Which saphenous vein is used in CABG?

The most commonly used graft was the saphenous vein (particularly the great saphenous vein) and is still in use. However, due to the success story of the left internal mammary artery LIMA, total arterial revascularization has gained much importance for coronary bypass graft surgery.

Are there any complications from harvesting the great saphenous vein?

Great saphenous vein is used as a conduit for bypass in over 95% cases. The harvesting technique has remained unchanged over the years. However, wound complications from harvesting the great saphenous vein by open method can be a major source of postoperative morbidity.

Can a vein harvest wound cause local edema?

Damage to this nerve can result in paresthesia discomfort to the patient. After CABG, the leg with vein harvest have increased tendency to develop edema and local complications due to the capillary leak following cardiopulmonary bypass, impaired venous drainage, and extensive lymphatic and soft tissue damage.

What are the risks of vein harvest after CABG?

After CABG, the leg with vein harvest have increased tendency to develop edema and local complications due to the capillary leak following cardiopulmonary bypass, impaired venous drainage, and extensive lymphatic and soft tissue damage.

Can a great saphenous vein be used for bypass?

Abstract: Coronary artery bypass grafting is a commonly performed surgery worldwide that gives good results. Great saphenous vein is used as a conduit for bypass in over 95% cases. The harvesting technique has remained unchanged over the years.