Comparison of vasospasm and vasodilatation response of saphenous vein grafts harvested by conventional and no-touch techniques

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare vasoconstriction and vasodilatation responses of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) harvested by conventional and no touch techniques in tissue bath system. Methods: Between February 2007 and September 2007, 12 patients (10 males, 2 females; mean age 55.6 +/- 5.8 years; range 38 to 75 years) who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in our clinic with signed informed consents were included. Based on the techniques used during harvesting, the grafts were divided into two groups, including group 1 (n=16) with SVGs harvested by conventional technique and group 2 by no-touch technique. In group 1, SVG was removed completely from adjacent adipose tissues. In group 2, SVG was removed with adjacent adipose tissues, preserving saphenous nerves. Results: The vasodilatation response of SVGs was significantly higher with the no touch technique, while the vasoconstriction response of SVGs was significantly higher with the conventional technique at lower doses. Conclusion: We belive that no-touch harvesting technique of SVGs may decrease early graft failure and reduce also postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, contributing to improve graft patency rate in the long-term.