Comparison of the Effect of Saphenous Vein Harvesting Using the Multiple Small Wound Method with Harvesting by the Conventional Method on The Incidence Of Wound Infection in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Abstract

Background: The incidence of saphenous vein wound infection remains the most significant complication following harvesting. The surgical method used for harvesting directly affects the incidence of infection, and minimally invasive techniques, such as multi-incision harvesting, have been associated with lower infection rates compared to the traditional method.

Objectives: To identify the most reliable surgical method for reducing the incidence of saphenous vein wound infection and achieving good healing by comparing the traditional with the multi-incision method.

Patients and Methods: The study included 50 patients who underwent elective isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) during 2023-2024. Males were 68% compared to females (32%). Patients were divided into two equal groups: the first underwent traditional harvesting, and the second underwent multi-incision harvesting. Signs of infection, wound healing and pain were monitored between the two groups, during hospitalisation and outpatient follow-up.

 Results: Both ASEPSIS scores for assessing wound healing quality, the Signs of wound infection, and pain were higher in the traditional method, with a statistically significant difference (P value < 0.05).

Conclusions: Applying the multi-wound method for saphenous vein harvesting was associated with lower infection rates, less pain, and higher patient satisfaction compared to the traditional method.