The authors present their first experience with minimally invasive saphenous vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). From February 2004 to June 2004 33 patients undergoing CABG were scheduled for minimally vein harvest with the use of Vega system® (B/Braun-Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany). We evaluated wound and neurological complications associated with the vein harvest at the time of discharge and at the 3-month follow-up. The limited experience suggests that minimally invasive vein harvesting offers improved patient outcome in term of wound healing.

        Key words: minimally invasive vein harvest – VEGA system – CABG