The surgeons at Twin Cities Heart and Lung believe in patient education. We've designed our site to help you learn about procedures so you can understand them and proceed with your treatment with the knowledge to put your fears to rest.
Since the endoscopic vein or artery harvest only takes place in the context of bypass surgery, preparation for the operation will be the same as for a bypass, which you can learn about here.
After you have your bypass surgery, including the endoscopic artery or vein harvest, the vast majority of your recovery will be focused on the bypass. While in the past, with open vein harvesting, patients often experienced significant pain during the healing period, the new endoscopic method makes this aspect of getting bypass surgery just a footnote in the recovery process, rather than a potential complication. This method also means that you will be able to walk normally again more quickly, as well as have quicker healing.
After Surgery Instructions:
After you have your bypass surgery, including the endoscopic artery or vein harvest, the vast majority of your recovery will be focused on the bypass. While in the past, with open vein harvesting, patients often experienced significant pain during the healing period, the new endoscopic method makes this aspect of getting bypass surgery just a footnote in the recovery process, rather than a potential complication. This method also means that you will be able to walk normally again more quickly, as well as have quicker healing.