A Safe and Cost-Effective Approach to Minimally Invasive Radial Artery Harvesting

Purpose We describe a minimally invasive, cost effective, and safe method of radial artery harvesting. Description After obtaining informed consent and completing a preoperative evaluation, 169 radial arteries were harvested. Harvesting was accomplished through a 3-cm proximal mid forearm incision with exposure provided by a modified self-retaining lighted retractor. Evaluation A total of 169 radial arteries were successfully harvested. The average incision length was 2.9 cm, radial artery length was 15.8 cm, and harvest time was 32.7 minutes. No trauma to the artery or graft spasm was evident. No procedure required conversion to an open technique. Superficial cellulitis occurred in 2 patients (1.2%) and wound infection in 1 (0.6%). Three patients (1.8%) experienced intermittent residual dysesthesia. All of the patients were highly satisfied with the excellent aesthetic results. This approach allowed for a substantial cost savings compared with other minimally invasive techniques. Conclusions Direct minimally invasive radial artery harvesting is an acceptable alternative approach to radial artery harvesting. This method is safe, cost effective, easily reproducible, and aesthetically pleasing.