Endoscopic Conduit Harvest
We have long held the belief that the best results can be achieved with the minimally invasive techniques. For the past five years we have made the use of beating heart surgery as the cornerstone of our approach to coronary artery bypass. We now perform beating heart surgery in more than 91.8% of our coronary bypass patients. The results have been excellent with 2002 data showing a lower morbidity, mortality, cost and length of stay compared to national data (STS Data base).
To complement our beating heart program, endoscopic vein harvest techniques are used to remove the saphenous vein for bypass. Instead of the traditional full-length leg incision, our endoscopic technique requires only one or two 1.5cm incisions near the knee. This has been a remarkable advance that effectively eliminates both leg healing problems as well as the pain, and disability that previously accompanied the open techniques of vein harvest.
Arterial bypass grafts are generally preferred over saphenous vein because of their superior durability. The radial artery is frequently used in addition to the internal mammary arteries. Previously the radial artery was harvested using an open technique that required an incision extending from the wrist to the elbow. That incision was frequently very uncomfortable, unsightly, and at times difficult to heal. Our current endoscopic technique requires only a single 1.5cm incision near the wrist. This technique is very well accepted by patients and has produced minimal discomfort and disability. We are able to provide the most durable bypass grafts with the least amount of patient discomfort or disability.
Our focus is always to provide exceptional results with minimal patient morbidity and discomfort. Endoscopic techniques have been a major advance in accomplishing those goals.