Skip to main content
. 2024 Dec 3;66(6):ezae400. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezae400
Best practice clinical consensus statements: conduit harvesting Strength of evidence
  • Use the skeletonized technique to harvest the ITA in patients at high risk of sternal wound complications, particularly when harvesting bilateral ITAs

Meta-analyses of non-randomized studies and small RCTs20,21,26
  • Use an endoscopic SVG harvesting technique in patients at risk of leg wound complications, considering harvester experience

Single large RCT,56 meta-analyses of non-randomized studies and small RCTs48
  • Use an open, preferably no-touch, SVG harvesting technique in patients at low risk of leg wound complications

Large RCT,78 meta-analyses of non-randomized studies and RCTs54,55
Avoid high-pressure distension of SVGs, using a pressure-controlling syringe when possible Multiple in vitro studies65,70