Abstract
Objective: To assess the beneficial effects of no-touch saphenous vein graft (NT-SVG) obtained by endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) on the long-term patency and wound complications in coronary artery bypass grafting at our hospital. Method: From August 2018 to February 2020, 44 SVGs obtained by EVH were divided into two groups: group “C,” were the saphenous vein (SV) was conventionally stripped and distended; group “NT,” were the SV was neither stripped nor distended, retaining its perivascular tissue pedicle. In addition to the evaluation of early clinical outcomes, such as graft patency and wound complications, the postoperative alteration in the SVG diameter was compared among the two groups. Result: There were no significant differences in the preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes among the two groups, with no early graft obstruction or delayed wound healing reported. Concerning the alteration in the SVG diameter postoperatively, the difference of the diameter was significantly lesser in the NT group (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed that the structure of the SVG wall was well preserved in the NT group. Conclusion: The NT-SVG obtained by EVH would be an ideal technique showing higher long-term patency and fewer wound complications.
