Abstract:

Objective   To explore the feasibility and the clinical effect of an open minimally invasive method to achieve grafts for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Methods   Thirty-two patients diagnosed as having coronary artery disease underwent the CABG. All the grafts of both great saphenous vein (GSV) and radial artery from patients themselves were acquired by direct-view multiple small incisions. We called the surgical technique briefly as “punch hole” method. The surgeries were performed on-pump in 3, and off-pump in the others. Five patients contributed their left radial arteries and GSVs, and others supplied only GSVs as grafts. Results   Multiple incisions made it easy to search for the GSV and suturing. Superior GSV from thigh was thicker in intima and wider in diameter than inferior GSV from crus. Draining removing time was less than 4 days after operation. No wound infection or indolence in limb incisions was found. Edema was seldom seen in limbs. The patients had no local tense feelings in limb incisions and no discomfort when they moved knuckles. The postoperative hospital stay was 7 to 15 days.  Conclusion   “Punch hole” method for achieving the grafts of CABG is an economic, practical and minimally invasive surgery, which is worthy to be further applied.

Key words: Minimally invasive; Great saphenous vein; Coronary artery bypass grafting