EXPERIENCE OF LARGE SAPHENOUS VEIN HARVESTING BY METHOD OF 'SKIN BRIDGES' IN AORTO-CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY

Background. This article focuses on the experience of great saphenous vein (GSV) harvesting by the method of "skin bridges" in operations of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Objective. To show the possibility of using minimally invasive GSV harvesting in CABG operations. Material and methods. We applied the two methods of BPV harvesting in patients with ischemic heart disease (standard and open method of "skin bridges"). Results. Comparative evaluation of these methods enables to make a preliminary judgment about their advantages and disadvantages. The results obtained were compared with those of other clinics in endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH). Conclusions. A method of "skin bridges" harvesting in the hands of a competent surgeon is comparable to the EE way of vein harvesting.