Ultrasound mapping of the long saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract

Long saphenous vein is the most common conduit utilized for surgical coronary revascularization. Ultrasound-assisted vein assessment is superior to traditional clinical examination of the long saphenous vein in discerning path and suitability for use as a conduit. Preoperative ultrasound mapping of the long saphenous vein is easy and rapidly accomplished allowing optimal surgical site selection, avoiding unnecessary surgical dissection and potential wound complications. We describe the technique of ultrasound mapping of the long saphenous vein and its application to conduit harvest in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.