Endoscopic Radial Artery Harvesting: Improving Functional Outcomes and Neurologic Safety in CABG
In the field of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the selection of arterial conduits has a profound impact on long-term graft patency and patient survival. The radial artery (RA) is frequently utilized as a secondary conduit due to its superior patency rates compared to the long saphenous vein. However, the method of harvesting the radial artery remains a subject of clinical debate. While the traditional open radial artery harvest (ORAH) provides direct visualization, it is associated with significant donor-site morbidity, including scarring, pain, and neurologic impairment. The emergence of endoscopic radial artery harvest (ERAH) offered a minimally invasive alternative, yet high-level evidence comparing the two techniques—particularly regarding patient-reported functional outcomes—has been sparse until recently.
