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Abstract
Background: A number of reports have been published concerning the advantages of using arterial conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) instead of saphenous vein grafts. The use of the radial artery has currently become more popular. However, postoperative complications related to graft harvesting such as injury of sensory nerves or wound infections have also been reported, which may significantly affect the patients’ quality of life. Patient and Method: In this study, 100 patients with coronary artery disease underwent isolated CABG surgery, using SVG concomitantly with RA graft as bypass conduits. We assessed the post harvest site complications regarding pain, numbness, also the incidences of harvest-site hematoma, ecchymosis and infection were also compared between both the arms and legs where the grafts were harvested. Results: Numbness of the harvest site was indicated in 33.3% (radial artery) and 26.2% (saphenous vein), respectively. Hematoma was found in 6.1% and 4%, respectively. On the other hand, the incidence of pain and wound infection were significantly lower in the radial artery sites (pain: 3% vs 24.2%; infection 2% vs 12%). Conclusion: Our experience suggests that the use of the radial artery is safe and also demonstrates a lower incidence of harvest-site complications, than saphenous vein harvesting in patients where both vessels are used.