CONCLUSIONS
The results of this prospectively randomized trial strongly suggest that
in experienced hands the challenges posed by the endoscopic minimally
invasive technique can be overcome without negative impact on the time
harvest, the length and the quality of the RA conduit. Moreover,
endoscopic radial harvesting may provide better wound healing, and is
associated with less neuralgias, excellent cosmetic result and better
patient satisfaction than the open harvesting technique.
The patency of aorto-coronary radial artery graft is unaffected by the
harvesting technique used and is gratifying when placed to a target
coronary artery vessel with stenosis greater than 90%.