Background: Arterial grafts are widely used for myocardial revascularisation in coronary bypass surgery. In this study, we investigate the comparison between ultrasonic dissection and standard technique for harvesting arterial grafts.

Methods: Sixty arterial grafts in 40 patients were divided into two groups. In Group I left internal mammarial artery (LIMA) and radial artery were harvested with ultrasonic dissection and in Group II with standard technique. The length and harvesting time of the grafts, the count of hemoclips that we used in harvesting, and the amount of drainage were evaluated for comparison two techniques.

Results: In Group I, the harvesting time of LIMA and radial artery was 22.5 ± 3.7 minutes and 17.6 ± 4.8 minutes, respectively, and in Group II it was 25.2 ± 3.8 minutes and 21.8 ± 3.2 minutes (p < 0.05). The ratio of lenght/harvesting time of LIMA and radial artery was 0.95 ± 0.16 cm/min and 1 ± 0.11 cm/min in Group I, and 0.85 ± 0.16 cm/min and 0.84 ± 0.06 cm/min in Group II, respectively (p < 0.05). The number of hemoclips used for harvesting were counted in each groups and in Group I it was 1.35 ± 1.22 for LIMA and 1.5 ± 2.01 for radial artery, in Group II it was 33.2 ± 7.1 and 40.8 ± 11.1, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Inspite of the hardness at using of the hand piece of the harmonic scalpel comparing with the electrocoter handle, harvesting time is shorter. As mentioned in recent studies, the harmonic scalpel causes less spasm on arterial grafts and it may be a useful alternative method for harvesting arterial grafts in coronary bypass surgery.