Veins can be used to replace arteries that are diseased. The process of removing them is called harvesting.
Leg veins are frequently used for vein harvesting. For open chest procedures, like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), blood vessels in the chest are sometimes used.
Vein grafts are most often used to replace or bypass blocked arteries. These arteries have a build up of plaque that can block the flow of blood. Coronary (heart) or carotid arteries to the brain are often repaired by making a bypass.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. There may be bleeding, damage to nerves, or infection at the vein harvesting site(s). Your doctor will review a list of possible complications for your procedure.
The preparation you will need will be determined by the primary procedure. In most cases, it will be a major cardiac or vascular surgery for which you will be hospitalized and evaluated thoroughly.
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
You will not be able to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the procedure.
You will be given general anesthesia . It will make you sleep.
A long cut in the skin will be made to expose the entire length of the vein. Every branch of the vein will be found and tied off. The vein will be removed. The skin will be closed with stitches or staples.
Two small incisions are made at either end of the vein. A special long, thin tool with a camera on the end (endoscope) is passed through one of the incisions and along the vein. The tool will separate the vein from its branches and surrounding tissue. The vein will then be removed through the second incision at the other end of the vein.
The primary surgery will take place. Your leg (or legs) will be wrapped tightly to prevent bleeding from the remaining veins.
Vein harvesting is usually done at the same time as the primary procedure. It does not add time to the total surgery.
Leg pain from the long incision method may be significant. Talk to your doctor about a plan to manage pain.
Your hospital stay will depend on your primary procedure. Vein excision will not extend your stay.
You will need to take care of your bandages and stitches. To ensure a smooth recovery, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES:
Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Southern California
http://www.cts.usc.edu/
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Network
http://www.ctsnet.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada
http://www.mtsinai.on.ca/
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
http://www.ottawaheart.ca/
References:
Bitondo JM, Daggett WM, Torchiana DF, et al. .Endoscopic versus open saphenous vein harvest: a comparison of postoperative wound complications. Ann Thorac Surg. 2002 Feb;73:523-528.
Mid-Atlantic Surgical Associates website. Available at: http://www.heartsurgeons.com/pr1.html. Accessed September 1, 2005.
Mini invasive technique for saphenous vein harvesting. Laparoscopy.com website. Available at: http://www.laparoscopy.com/pictures/vaso.html. Accessed September 1, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Craig Clark, DO, FACC, FAHA, FASE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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