Skeletonization of the Internal Mammary Artery with the Harmonic Hook Blade

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By Teresa M. Kieser, MD and Kishan K. Narine, MD, PhD, FETCS

This video demonstrates the skeletonization harvest technique of the internal mammary artery using the harmonic hook blade. Skeletonization allows for a greater length of conduit and decreases the risk of deep sternal wound infection. Use of the harmonic hook blade is less damaging to the mammary artery and is quicker than the usual skeletonization technique using the cautery tip as a dissector. This video shows and discusses in detail use of the harmonic hook blade to dissect a skeletonized mammary artery, potential difficulties with the technique and incidence of damaged mammary arteries in a large series.

The full script of this video is available.