OBJECTIVETo observe the influence of endoscopic radial artery harvesting techniques on the prevalence of complications after coronary artery bypass grafting, and to assess the potential trauma to the radial artery through the histological changes.

METHODSFrom August 2003 to June 2008, 87 patients undergoing CABG had radial artery harvested by endoscopic harvesting system. About 4 mm proximal and distal radial artery end segment of 10 patients undergoing endoscopic and conventional harvesting were examined with light and electro-microscope.

RESULTSThe endoscopic harvest time was 42 to 98 min, with a mean of (57.6 +/- 17.3) min. The harvested conduit length was 15 to 20 cm, with a mean of (17.5 +/- 1.6) cm. Objective dorsal thenar numbness remained in 7 patients, none complained of forearm numbness at 3-month follow-up. The result of light and electro-microscope had no differences in the intima, media, or adventitia between endoscopically and conventionally obtained radial artery segments.

CONCLUSIONThe use of endoscopic radial artery harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed safely with infrequent complications. This method results in excellent patient satisfaction, particularly regarding the cosmetic outcome.