Initial experience with an endoscopic radial artery harvesting technique

The Current Status of Minimally Invasive Conduit Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The harvesting of conduits for coronary artery bypass surgery has evolved over the last decade to include endoscopic approaches to access the saphenous vein, radial artery, and internal mammary artery. These minimally invasive techniques reduce the morbidity associated with open procedures by decreasing pain and recovery time and increasing mobility post operatively. This review highlights the differences in morbidity, quality, and patency between the most common conduits that are harvested minimally invasively for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Radial artery harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery-Endoscopic or open method? A meta-analysis

We analyzed the clinical outcomes of open radial artery harvesting (OAH) and endoscopic radial artery harvesting (EAH) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We designed this meta-analysis conducted using Pubmed, Medline, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. Articles with comparisons of OAH and EAH undergoing CABG were included. Primary outcomes included the wound infection rate, the wound complication rate, neurological complications of the forearm, in-hospital mortality, long-term survival, and the patency rate. The results of our study included six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), two non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) with matching, and 10 NRCTs. In total, 2919 patients were included in 18 studies, while 1187 (40.7%) and 1732 (59.3%) patients received EAH and OAH, respectively. EAH was associated with a lower incidence of wound infection (RR = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14 to 0.60, p = 0.03), and neurological complications over the harvesting site (RR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.62, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality, long-term survival (over one year), and the graft patency rate. According to our analysis, endoscopic radial artery harvesting can improve the outcome of the harvesting site, without affecting the mortality, long-term survival, and graft patency.

Endoscopic versus open harvesting of radial artery for CABG

Background

Endoscopic harvest of the radial artery avoids long forearm incisions and has better cosmesis compared to the open technique. The objective of this study was to compare the short-term results and wound-related complications of endoscopic radial artery harvest versus open technique.

Results

From 2013 to 2017, 800 patients had coronary artery bypass grafting; 88 patients of them had radial artery harvesting (11%). Two groups were included in the study according to the surgeon preference, endoscopic radial harvest (group 1, n = 30; 3.75% of total CABG patients) and open harvest (group 2, n = 58; 7.25% of total CABG patients). Group 1 had more males (25 (83.33%) vs. 35 (60.34%); p = 0.028). There was no difference in the preoperative comorbidities between both groups. The duration of the harvest was significantly longer in group 1 (median 40 min ranges from 38 to 42 min vs. 49 min ranges from 47 to 52 min in groups 1 and 2, respectively; p < 0.001). The operative time was longer in group 1 (median 302.5 min ranges from 295 to 310 min vs. 277 min ranges from 273 to 280 min in groups 1 and 2, respectively; p < 0.001). The hospital stay in the endoscopic radial artery harvest group was significantly shorter than that of open technique (median 7 days ranges from 6 to 7 days vs. 7.5 days ranges from 7 to 9 days; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the postoperative complications between both groups. One case (3.3%) was transformed from the endoscopic to open technique due to uncontrolled bleeding. Endoscopic technique was associated with more patients presenting with hand numbness (6 cases; 20% versus 3 cases 5.2%) and radial nerve injury (2 cases; 6.6% versus none), while open technique showed more cases of local hematoma (8 cases; 13.8% versus 1 case; 3.3%) and wound infection (6 cases; 10.34% versus none); p > 0.05.

Conclusion

Endoscopic radial artery harvest is associated with shorter harvest time and shorter hospital stay. Endoscopic radial artery harvest is a safe technique with good short-term outcomes. Longer follow-up is recommended.

Radial artery as graft for coronary artery bypass surgery: Advantages and disadvantages for its usage focused on structural and biological characteristics

Radial artery (RA) is the most popular arterial graft after the left internal thoracic artery in both low- and high-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Various arterial grafts such as the right internal thoracic artery, the right gastroepiploic artery, and the inferior epigastric artery have also gained ground over the past 30 years because of the intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis of the saphenous vein leading to late graft occlusion. In this review article we would like to present the utility of the RA as a graft, focused mainly on its structural and biological characteristics.

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting procedure for coronary artery bypass grafting

Development and adoption of endoscopic minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting prompted its application to the radial artery in an effort to minimize surgical trauma. Recently, we reported that endoscopic radial artery harvesting was associated with better wound appearance and it proved to be safe and effective, with less pain and fewer wound complications than the open surgical technique. Based on this positive experience, our institution adopted endoscopic radial artery harvesting, hence the aim of this manuscript is to describe the minimally invasive endoscopic radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery using the radial artery as a secondary conduit improves patient survival

BACKGROUND

The clinical benefits of the left internal thoracic artery-to-left anterior descending coronary artery graft are well established in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). However, limited data are available regarding the long-term outcome of the radial artery (RA) as a secondary conduit over the established standard of the saphenous venous graft.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We compared the 12-year survival outcome in a set of propensity-matched CABG patients who received either the RA or the saphenous vein as a secondary conduit. A multivariable logistic regression that included 18 baseline characteristics was used to define the propensity of receiving an RA graft. The propensity model resulted in 260 matched pairs who underwent first-time isolated CABG from 1996 to 2001 with similar preoperative characteristics (C statistic=0.86). The cumulative 12-year survival estimated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method was higher for the RA graft patients (hazard ratio 0.76; P=0.03). This survival advantage was especially significant in diabetics (P=0.005), in women (P=0.02), and in the elderly (P=0.04.) The protective effect appeared beginning at year 5 post surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

The RA as a secondary conduit provided superior long-term survival after CABG, especially in diabetic patients, women, and the elderly. This effect was most pronounced >5 years after surgery.

Endoscopic versus open radial artery harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

The radial artery has become the artery of choice after both internal thoracic arteries for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study compares wound healing and arm complications after endoscopic versus open radial artery harvesting.

METHODS

From January 2002 to July 2004, 509 patients underwent CABG including a radial artery conduit. Thirty-nine had endoscopic and 470 conventional open radial artery harvesting. A propensity score was used to obtain 1:3 matching of all endoscopic to 117 open-harvesting patients. Postoperative wound healing, local neurologic deficits, wound infection, and pain scores were compared.

RESULTS

Wound healing: 34 of 39 endoscopic wounds exhibited a perfect Hollander score versus 339 of 470 open-harvest wounds (p = 0.01). Wound appearance was better for endoscopic harvesting (p = 0.004). Three incomplete neurologic deficits were observed after open harvesting versus one complete neurologic deficit after endoscopic harvesting that recovered prior to hospital discharge. Incidence of wound infection was similar in both groups (p = 0.7), although infection was more severe with open harvesting. Pain score was lower (p = 0.006) with endoscopic harvesting.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting was associated with better wound appearance and less pain. Occurrence of neurologic deficits and wound infection was infrequent in both groups.

Predischarge angiographical evaluation of radial artery graft harvested by endoscopic harvesting system

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting (ERAH) has superior cosmetic advantages over conventional harvesting methods. With instrumental advancements, these techniques have become easier to adopt and require less time to learn. In most reported cases, the quality of harvested conduits is discussed based on macroscopic and histologic examinations and clinical outcomes. However, predischarge angiography gives a straightforward answer regarding quality of harvested conduit. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of endoscopically harvested radial artery by predischarge angiographic evaluation.

METHODS

Endoscopic procedure using VasoView 4 system was performed in 87 patients between September 2004 and December 2007, and 78 predischarge angiographical evaluations were completed and reviewed. Mean age of the patients was 66 ± 10 years and 18% were women. After ERAH was performed, accompanying veins were dissected by ultrasound scalpel. All conduits were as aortocoronary bypass under cardiopulmonary bypass.

RESULTS

Mean arm ischemic time was 32 ± 13 minutes and length of harvested conduit was 17.8 ± 1.3 cm. Predischarge angiography demonstrated two occlusions at the proximal anastomosis in the 51st and 71st cases, although intraoperative flow study showed normal flow patterns in both cases. Stenosis in the conduits was observed in the first, sixth, and seventh cases. No further angiographical problems were found in the remaining conduits.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the angiographical results, problems with the harvested conduits occurred only in initial period. ERAH with VasoView system provides satisfactory angiographical quality after initial learning curve.

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting

As novel technologies became available in the surgical scenario, there has been an increasing interest towards minimally invasive approaches for conduits harvesting in recent years. There is a consistent evidence in literature demonstrating the advantages of an endoscopic approach for saphenous vein harvesting over the open technique; therefore, several authors previously investigated and demonstrated the safety and usefulness also of an endoscopic approach for radial artery harvesting when compared to the open one. This article describes the currently available approaches for minimally invasive endoscopic radial artery harvesting (ERAH) and focuses on the authors' experience combining a reusable retractor and a disposable vessel sealing systems.

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting: patient satisfaction and complications

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting was recently introduced to reduce the morbidity associated with conventional open harvesting and improve cosmetic outcomes. From January 2004 through December 2006, 25 radial arteries were harvested endoscopically from 25 patients using the VasoView endoscopic system. Bilateral radial arteries were harvested from 6 patients by both the endoscopic and open techniques, and postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Mean harvesting time was 61.9 +/- 16.0 min (range, 44-105 min), and mean harvested conduit length was 16.8 +/- 2.0 cm (range, 15-19 cm). Objective dorsal thenar numbness remained in 2 patients (8%); none complained of forearm numbness. All patients expressed marked satisfaction with the endoscopic technique and the small incision. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher with the endoscopic technique than with the open technique (visual analogue scale of 9 vs 5). Postoperative angiography revealed occlusion of a graft that had been anastomosed to a small diagonal branch. The overall graft patency was 96.6%. Endoscopic radial artery harvesting can be performed safely with infrequent complications. This method results in excellent patient satisfaction, particularly regarding the cosmetic outcome.

Open Clip-Free Radial Artery Harvesting With the Harmonic Shears

BACKGROUND

The Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel is associated with several advantages in radial artery (RA) harvesting. It allows fewer hemostatic clips to close the collateral branches, less thermal injury of the conduit, and reduced time of harvesting in comparison with the conventional RA harvesting technique with electrocautery and hemostatic clips. We recently started open RA harvesting with the harmonic shears (HSH). In this study, we aimed at evaluating the feasibility of this simplified ultrasonically activated harvesting technique, and report the results of RA harvesting with HSH.

METHODS

The RA harvesting with HSH was performed in 20 patients operated on for myocardial revascularization from July 2004 to December 2005.

RESULTS

The harvest of the RA was completed in little time, without any complication. Neither bleeding from the collateral branches nor spasm alongside the entire length of the RA was observed. No bleeding occurred from the muscles of the forearm.

CONCLUSION

This technique of RA harvesting with HSH is impressive in terms of short time of harvest, complete absence of clips for the collateral branches, and no thermal injury of the conduit.

Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting may be the Procedure of Choice for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the neurologic and cosmetic outcome of the endoscopic radial artery harvesting (ERH) technique in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study group comprised 257 consecutive patients who underwent CABG between January 2001 and August 2005 at Kyungpook National University Hospital. The first 157 patients (open group) underwent conventional open harvesting of the radial artery and the second 100 (endoscopic group) had endoscopic harvesting. The severity of both the motor and sensory symptoms, as well as the cosmetic results, was evaluated immediately and at least 6 months after surgery. In the open group, 29 patients experienced neuralgia along the distribution of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, but none in the endoscopic group patients experienced any sensory abnormalities (p<0.05). However, neuralgia along the distribution of the superficial radial nerve was similarly observed in both groups. No one in either group complained of any motor symptoms. The patients in the endoscopic group were also satisfied with the cosmetic results.

CONCLUSIONS

ERH resulted in less neurologic complications of the hand and forearm, and outstanding aesthetics. ERH may be the procedure of choice for radial artery harvesting.

Endoscopic versus conventional radial artery harvest--is smaller better?

BACKGROUND

We sought to assess our initial experience with the recently introduced technique of endoscopic radial artery harvest (ERH) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected on 108 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG with ERH, and compared to 120 patients having conventional harvest (CH). Follow-up was achieved in 227 patients (99%). At the time of follow-up the severity of motor and sensory symptoms, as well as cosmetic result in the harvest forearm, were subjectively graded using a 5-point scale. Grade 1-- high intensity deficits, poor cosmetic result. Grade 5 -- no deficits, excellent cosmetic result.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke rates were similar between the groups. Follow-up mortality, reintervention rate, and average angina class were also similar. Harvest time was longer in the ERH group (61 +/- 24 min vs. 45 +/- 11 min, p < 0.001). Three patients in the ERH group were converted to CH and one radial artery was discarded. There were no vascular complications of the hand in either group. Average score of motor (ERH 4.4 +/- 0.9, CH 4.2 +/- 1.0) or sensory symptoms (ERH 3.7 +/- 1.1, CH 3.8 +/- 1.2) were similar. In the CH group sensory deficits were observed in the distribution of both the lateral antebrachial cutaneous and the superficial radial nerves (SRN). In contrast, sensory deficits in the ERH group were limited to the distribution of the SRN. Cosmetic result score was higher in the ERH group (ERH 4.2 +/- 1.0, CH 3.1 +/- 1.4, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

ERH is safe. It is technically demanding with a significant learning curve. Motor and sensory symptoms are not completely eliminated by using a smaller incision, but cosmetic results are clearly superior.

[The vascular network: a capital to preserve for the future]

These guidelines were constructed by the commission of dialysis of the Society of nephrology regarding the venous network and arteries preservation, at the intention of every specialist concerned by vascular access problems.

Cost Effective Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting

Radial artery harvesting has been routinely performed by endoscopy. We present a reduced cost technique using a reusable retractor and thermal welding shears. The combination of reusable and disposable tools allows patients to benefit from endoscopic radial artery harvesting with decreased morbidity and favorable cosmetic results.

Endoscopic versus conventional radial artery harvest for coronary artery bypass grafting: functional and histologic assessment of the conduit

BACKGROUND

The radial artery's propensity for vasospasm and vulnerability to surgical trauma are well known. A less invasive endoscopic method to harvest the radial artery was recently introduced, but its effect on radial artery integrity is unknown.

METHODS

To compare the effects of harvest method on radial artery function, we prospectively randomized 54 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with the radial artery into 3 groups on the basis of harvest techniques: endoscopic, conventional with cautery, and conventional with harmonic scalpel. We assessed endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxation of radial artery segments to sequential doses of acetylcholine and nitroglycerin, respectively, using standard organ-chamber methodology. Vasospasm was assessed as the vasoconstrictor response to the thromboxane analog U46619. We assessed endothelial integrity using light and electron microscopy and by rating intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and P-selectin expression by means of immunohistochemistry on a semiquantitative 0- to 3-point scale. Harvest procedures were performed by a single surgeon, and data analyses were blinded to the harvesting method.

RESULTS

Maximal relaxation-contraction responses to acetylcholine, nitroglycerin, and U46619 and effective drug concentration yielding 50% response were similar in the 3 groups. Adhesion molecule expression and histologic changes, as assessed by means of light and electron microscopy, were similar in the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic harvest does not alter radial artery vasoreactivity or endothelial integrity compared with conventional harvest techniques. Because the endoscopic technique is less invasive, it might prove to be the technique of choice to harvest the radial artery.

Division of the brachioradialis muscle: a modification of the current technique in endoscopic radial artery harvesting

BACKGROUND

Utilization of the radial artery as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting has increased significantly over the past 8 years. Concurrently, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been increasingly applied resulting in improved aesthetics, less pain, and decreased morbidity and length of hospital stay. Endoscopic radial artery harvesting (ERAH) has been shown to be of benefit to patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The brachioradialis is a recognized limitation in ERAH. To date, the standard operative techniques for ERAH have included maintaining the integrity of the brachioradialis muscle. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dividing the medial border of the brachioradialis muscle during ERAH.

METHODS

We performed ERAH on 9 cadaveric arms using standard endoscopic vein harvesting equipment (30-degree/5-mm endoscope, subcutaneous retractor, and pig-tail vessel dissector) and ultrasonic harmonic coagulating shears. In 5 cadaveric arms, the medial aspect of the brachioradialis muscle was preserved during the dissection. In 4 arms, the medial border of the brachioradialis muscle was divided. All 9 harvests were timed and compared. At the completion of the endoscopic dissection, all 9 arms were opened and examined for neurovascular injury.

RESULTS

In cadaveric arms, modifying the current ERAH technique by dividing the medial border of the brachioradialis muscle resulted in a visible increase in tunnel size. In the group where the brachioradialis muscle was divided, a statistically significant reduction in harvest time of 32% was observed (P = .02). Post-harvest examination revealed no gross neurovascular injury; specifically, no injuries to the superficial branches of the radial nerve or the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves were identified.

CONCLUSION

Division of the medial border of the brachioradialis muscle during endoscopic radial artery harvesting appears to be a safe technique modification that subjectively improves working space and vision of vital structures, facilitating ease of the procedure. Objectively, division of the medial border of the brachioradialis muscle resulted in a statistically significant reduction in harvest time in cadaveric arms when compared with the current technique of ERAH. A clinical pilot study to verify the efficacy and safety of this technique modification is warranted.

The radial artery for coronary artery bypass grafting

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the standard surgical procedure for the treatment of advanced coronary artery disease. CABG surgery has been demonstrated to improve symptoms and, in specific subgroups of patients, to prolong life. Despite its success, the long-term outcome of coronary bypass surgery is strongly influenced by the fate of the vascular conduits used. Previous long-term studies have shown unsatisfactory patency of saphenous vein grafts used for myocardial revascularisation, compared with internal mammary artery grafts. Recently, the use of radial artery for CABG has enjoyed a revival, on the basis of the belief that it will help improving long-term results of coronary operations. The recent reports of encouraging mid-term and long-term patency rates of the radial artery, supports its continued use as a bypass conduit. In this paper, we review the current knowledge about the radial artery as a bypass graft, with special emphasis on the clinical results.