Endoscopic vein harvesting in vascular surgery

摘要

Despite rapid developments in vascular medicine, venous conduits remain the gold standard regarding patency. The major problem in terms of morbidity and cost is exposure of the vein. In this respect, endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) is an appealing method and is regarded as the standard of care in cardiac surgery. Data for peripheral bypass surgery are sparse and rarely of level-one evidence. However, published data indicate a benefit for patients, mainly regarding reduction of postoperative wound complications and thus costs. Yet to establish this method for routine use and to be able to define populations that may have the highest benefits from EVH, sufficiently powered and well-conducted trials are needed.