Table (3)
EVH may take longer harvesting time than OVH, but closure time was
longer in OVH. The average time needed for EVH was 55min. (40-69 min.).
The average length of the harvested vein was 48 cm (39-55 cm). There is
no difference between both groups in CPB time, aortic cross clamp time,
use of IABP and inotropes. OPCAB is performed in 15 patients of EVH
group and 3 patients in OVH group. We use EVH with OPCAB as a step for
MIDCAB. The quality of the vein did not appear different between harvest
techniques. There was no known acute graft closure in either group and
no patient underwent angiography during follow up period. Operating room
costs were significantly higher when EVH was used compared to OVH.