Saphenous Vein Graft Harvesting

The saphenous vein can be harvested by either direct visualization or via an endoscopic approach. The endoscopic approach has been associated with lower rates of wound infection, but higher rates of failure and adverse events such as death and MI. Veins that are used either have their valves removed or are turned around so that the valves in them do not occlude blood flow in the graft.

Side effects of saphenous vein harvesting include the following:


 * Saphenous nerve injury
 * Infection at incision sites or sepsis.
 * Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
 * Keloid scarring
 * Chronic pain at incision sites

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