ABSTRACT 63

MINIMALLY INVASIVE VEIN HARVEST AND WOUND HEALING USING THE SAPHLITE™ RETRACTOR SYSTEM

George Greenfield PA-C, Warren Whitworth SA, Linda Tavares ACNP, Margaret Wittenbraker ACNP, Donna Wallace ACNP, Jose Valdivia PA-C, Karen Campbell RN, Liz Williams SA, Ed Black FRCS, Ravi Pillai FRCS, Michael Caskey MD, Mark Bladergroen MD, Richmond, VA, Phoenix, AZ, and Oxford, UK.

Purpose:  In response to reported wound complication rates of 19-43% for traditional saphenous vein harvest, several minimally invasive vein harvest (MIVH) techniques have been developed.  The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effectiveness of one such MIVH technology, the Genzyme SaphLITE™ Retractor System. 

Method:  Since May 2000, saphenectomy was undertaken in 305 CABG patients using Saphlite™ in a prospective, non-randomized trial at three centers. Patients were assessed for wound healing (ASEPSIS tool) and incisional pain (numeric scale) through the postop visit. Harvest times, incision and vein lengths, were recorded. 

Results:  ASEPSIS indicated satisfactory healing in 96.0%.  Infection rate was 1.3% with four patient requiring antibiotics and debridement of one incision. Of hospitalized patients, 85.4% had no or minimal affected leg pain. Additional mean data include: harvest time 43.4+17.6 minutes, incision number 3.0+1.2, incision length 2.9+1.4 cm, and vein length 46.0+15.2 cm.   

Conclusion:  SaphLITE™ is an effective alternative to traditional saphenous vein harvest with improved wound healing, decreased pain, and acceptable harvest times.