The saphenous vein harvest procedure affects the arteriovenous system and postoperative wound healing in patients following coronary aortic bypass surgery

Introduction
One of the parts of the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) process is the collection of vascular material, which is then employed as a coronary aortic bypass due to the large number of coronary vessels necessitating an aorto-coronary bypass. An invasive surgical operation called saphenous vein harvest, also known as the great saphenous vein (GSV), has the potential to cause surgical site infection (SSI). There are currently 2 methods for harvesting GSV: the conventional method open vein harvest (OVH) and the endoscopic, minimally invasive method endoscopic vein harvest (EVH). The clinical issue is whether the GSV harvest approach can influence the patient’s lower limb arteriovenous systems and help to lessen postoperative problems.

Aim of the research
To analyse the healing of a surgical incision on the lower limb and the effect of GSV harvest methods on the arteriovenous system.

Material and methods
In the study period May–September 2022, 60 patients with ischaemic heart disease, who were scheduled for surgical heart revascularization, were included. Clinical information was collected from 60 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were split into 2 groups at random.

Results and conclusions
The arteriovenous system of the lower extremities was unaffected by either the OVH or EVH methods utilized to harvest GSV. The OVH approach resulted in a higher rate of SSI in patients with an elevated risk of SSI based on the BHIS scale, particularly in individuals with atherosclerosis of the lower limbs.