Methods: Patients in Group A (n = 20) underwent saphenous vein harvesting using a modified incision. Patients in Group B (n = 19) had their greater SV harvested using an traditional technique. In Group A, after usual preperation of the leg, a 2 cm transvers skin incision 5 cm above the medial ankle and length was dependent upon the number of vein grafts requered.In Group B, after usual preperation of the leg, the patients had their greater SV harvested by physician assistant using traditional longitudinal incision without skin bridges.

Results: In Group A, the mean age was 65.2 ± 3.7, 11 (60%) patients were male, 9 (40%) patients were female. In group B, the mean age was 64.6 ± 3.45 years, 13 (66%) patients were male and 6(34%) patients were females. In measurements performed at postoperative first week, first month and third month, increase in leg circumference was less in Group A than in Group B .

Conclusion: In conclusion, modified incision for saphenous vein harvesting is practical and can be performed even by unexperienced surgeons. When SV harvesting by this method, leg edema is seen with a lower frequency and there is no change in venous functions.