Leg Veins and Heart Surgery
A recent study found that using endoscopic techniques to remove leg veins prior to heart bypass surgery may cause more harm to patients later on. In contrast to open harvesting, where physicians make an incision down the leg, endoscopic procedures are less painful and have less scarring. However, a new study found that this type of technique may cause more damage to the veins and lead to a 52% higher risk of death in the years after heart bypass surgery.
"Open harvesting, though more invasive and associated with more wound complications, may be less traumatic to the vein and could result in a better conduit" described Reuters.
Veins removed endoscopically were found to be at a high risk for clotting after the heart surgery, leading to the danger for a heart attack. In conclusion, doctors need to be aware that new procedures may not necessarily be best in all situations. Physicians need to discuss risks with patients prior to such large surgeries and warn them of these dangers.
