Comparative study between saphenous vein harvesting in CABG cases by interrupted technique and conventional method

Background: The standard bridging technique (SBT) for saphenous vein (SV) harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a less invasive method that uses smaller, more frequent incisions to obtain the vein, resulting in fewer postoperative complications and better cosmetic outcomes. In contrast, the traditional open technique (TOT) involves a longer incision, increasing wound risks, but remains reliable when minimally invasive tools are unavailable. The aim of this study is to compared between SV harvesting in CABG by SBT and TOT.Methods: This retrospective observational comparison analysis was carried out at El Sheikh Zayed Hospital and Benha Hospital between November 2023 and November 2024. One hundred patients made up the research population; they were split equally into two groups of fifty each. While Group B had TOT, Group A underwent SV harvesting utilizing the SBT procedure. Patient satisfaction, the occurrence of problems, and intraoperative and postoperative data were documented.Results: This study found no significant difference in graft numbers, harvesting time, or operation duration between groups. However, SBT showed significantly shorter vein length and incision length compared to TOT. SBT patients had lower ASEPSIS scores, better Hollander wound evaluation outcomes, reduced pain (VAS scale), and fewer complications including moderate/severe pain, edema, hematoma, and wound dehiscence. While necrosis and seroma rates were similar, patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the SBT group at follow-up completion.Conclusions: The SBT for SV harvesting in CABG demonstrated significant superiority over the TOT, with reduced incision length, lower complication rates, decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and higher patient satisfaction, while maintaining equivalent surgical efficiency.