|
EmergingTech
Atraumatic For Patients: Vein Harvesting with Maquet Vasoview
Vasoview- Vessel Harvesting System |
The harvesting of veins from the leg is a common procedure
for acquiring autografts for aortocoronary venous bypasses (ACVB). Conventional
methods which involve cutting open the entire venous area either in whole or
in part entail a high risk of infection, severe postoperative pain for the patient
and visible scarring. Minimally invasive procedures are considerably less traumatic.
With the VasoView 6 and VasoView 7 systems, MAQUET Cardiovascular offers technically
mature and tried and tested solutions for endoscopic vein harvesting.
In the case of ACVB, a constricted or closed coronary vessel
is bypassed using a vein. As a rule, a vein is harvested from the leg for this
bypass. Conventional methods of open vein harvesting involve the leg being cut
open over an area of 35 to 40 centimetres along the vein. Such an intervention
always entails major adverse effects for the patient and an increased risk of
wound infection.
Endoscopic vein harvesting with the MAQUET VasoView systems offers numerous
advantages. The endoscope is inserted into the subcutaneous tissue on the vein
via an incision in the knee measuring just two centimetres. Using a retractor,
a tunnel is created directly above the vein by means of CO2 insufflation. It
is now possible to dissect the lateral vein branches and to harvest the vein
as a whole. Experienced specialists require 5 to 10 minutes for this procedure.
The large wound associated with the open technique and the high risk of wound
infection are thus not encountered with this method. Wound healing is quicker
and the patient experiences less postoperative pain. Consequently, the patient
makes a quicker recovery and the time spent in hospital is shorter. This, in
turn, allows rehabilitation measures to be started earlier on. First and foremost,
the endoscopic method reduces visible scarring, which is particularly appreciated
by the patient for aesthetic reasons.
The MAQUET VasoView 6 and VasoView 7 systems can be operated with just one hand
and feature an ergonomic design for precision guidance. With both these devices,
all surgical steps - from initial insertion through to the harvesting of the
vein - can be performed in a single procedure. What's more, handling of the
systems is easy to learn and teach. MAQUET also offers training on request.
The exchangeable conical tip of the endoscope ensures atraumatic interventions
in surgical channels with a uniform diameter and shape. Thanks to the small
diameter of seven millimetres, easy handling is guaranteed - particularly in
areas of the body without natural hollows. This also makes for easy navigation
around the lateral branches of the vein. The endoscope's field of vision enables
straight forward vision without mirroring. The lens' cleaning function provides
for an outstanding view of the operation site.
Bisector cauterisation with the MAQUET VasoView systems allows the branches
to be transsected and sealed simultaneously. This ensures cauterisation with
maximum haemostasis of the cut surfaces and problem-free harvesting of the vein.
Furthermore, the bipolar cauter is a guarantee for reliable cauterisation, whilst
the extended harvesting channel is also suitable for harvesting longer veins.
EH News Bureau
|
