Minimally invasive cardiac surgery for removal of the greater saphenous vein.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if saphenous vein required for coronary bypass could be quickly, easily and safely removed with a minimally invasive technique. DESIGN: A consecutive series. SETTING: A university centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In cadavers, a standard mediastinoscope was used to remove segments of the greater saphenous vein. Thigh segments, superior leg segments and ankle segments were removed. Fifteen minutes were allowed for removal of a segment. RESULTS: Segments of vein 15 to 17 cm long could be removed. One segment could not be removed within 15 minutes. Thigh segments were easy to remove, calf segments were the most difficult. There were no avulsed side branches. All incisions were less than 5 cm long. CONCLUSIONS: Saphenous vein can be harvested quickly and safely by a minimally invasive method. Lower extremity complications may be reduced and long-term patency improved with this in-situ technique of vein removal.