Introduction
SVG remains the most commonly used bypass conduit in CABG because it is
usually available at desired length, easily harvested without being
time-consuming, technically easy to use due to its wall characteristics
and large diameter, supplies a limitless blood flow to the myocardium,
and associated with less risk of sternal wound infection[1] .
OVH is associated with long incisions and consequent associated pain and
other complications [2] .OVH harvesting includes leg wound
complications, prolonged convalescence and poor cosmetic results
resulting in patient dissatisfaction. It may prolong a hospital stay or
require readmission for debridement, or IV antibiotics. EVH is a less
invasive with (2%-5%) morbidity. EVH reduces postoperative pain, the
incidence of wound complications and length of hospital stay. EVH also
eliminates the need for long leg incisions and increases patient
satisfaction [3] . Patients undergoing CABG experience wound
complications (3%-30%) related to OVH technique. It requires an
extended incision and the associated complications often prove
troublesome in the recuperative phase of CABG [4] .
Since 1996, the first clinical report of EVH was published; it has
increased in popularity to become the preferred method of SVG harvesting
technique [5] . EVH is an atraumatic procedure that harvests
SVG without direct manipulation of the vein. It is beneficial in
reducing leg wound complications, postoperative pain and morbidity
compared with OVH technique [6] . EVH is usually done from
the thigh but this conduit usually short length. The endoscope could be
negotiated through the same entry wound at knee level to harvest an
additional length from the leg without conversion to open. The use of
EVH method reduces the invasiveness of OVH method and its morbidity[4] .