Endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) is a procedure used to obtain a healthy blood vessel that can be used during coronary artery bypass surgery to bypass the blockage in the arteries of the heart. EVH was launched in 1997 and now considered the standard of care. The EVH technique requires only a small incision, about 3 cm in length, unlike traditional incision that may stretch from ankle to groin that leaves long visible scar (see Image A below). It can be used to harvest the saphenous vein from the leg or the radial artery from the arm
(see Image B). |
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Image A:
Comparison of Traditional &
Endoscopic Incisions |
Image B:
First Case of Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvest
done at SUNY Downstate in Dec. 2007 |
Benefits to the patient:
- Small incision with less pain and swelling
- Significantly less risk of infection and wound complications especially for patients that are at greater risk (patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease)
- Minimal scarring for improved cosmosis
- Shorter recovery time
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