ISMICS 2025 Annual Meeting

Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting With Reusable Retractor and Open CO2System

Dmytro Babliak

Diagnostic and Treatment Center For Children And Adults Of The Dobrobut Medical Network

Kyiv, Ukraine

BACKGROUND

Radial artery harvesting is a part of multiarterial coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Traditional open methods are associated with larger incisions, greater morbidity, and prolonged recovery. We demonstrates a sustainable and reproducible endoscopic harvesting technique using a reusable retractor and open CO₂ system.

METHODS

Between September 2019 and May 2025, 188 radial arteries were harvested endoscopically.

Key steps included:

•Patient arm abducted at 90°

•Tourniquet inflated to 250 mmHg

•2 cm skin incision proximal to the wrist

•Use of reusable endoscopic retractor and LigaSure for dissection

•CO₂ insufflation for optimal visualization

•Distal control with endoloop and long scissors, avoiding extra incisions

•Arteries stored in papaverine-verapamil solution prior to grafting

Harvested radial arteries consistently exceeded 15 cm in length, with harvesting time under 20 minutes.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.
The technique proved reproducible and safe, with minimal trauma and excellent visualization. All grafts were successfully used for CABG without harvest-site morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic radial artery harvesting with a reusable retractor and open CO₂ system offers:

•Reduced tissue trauma and improved cosmesis

•Enhanced efficiency and graft quality

•Lower cost due to reusable instruments

•Elimination of unnecessary additional incisions

This technique combines safety, reproducibility, and sustainability—making it an attractive alternative to disposable endoscopic kits and open harvesting.

ISMICS 2025 Annual Meeting

Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting With Reusable Retractor And Open Co2 System

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