Objective To assess the feasibility of endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting (EVH) and discuss the learning curve of this technique during coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods One hundred and eighteen patients,who underwent primary coronary artery bypass grafting between January 2007 to February 2008,were divided into two groups: EVH group (n=40) and open saphenous vein harvesting (OVH) group (n=78). The risk factors and incision complications were compared between the two groups. The proximal vein segment in EVH group was examined histologically. Forty patients in EVH group were further divided into 4 subgroups (G1,G2,G3,G4) according to the operation sequence,with 10 in each. The operation time duration,the length of conduit,and the overall results were compared between the subgroups. Results There was no significant difference in risk factors of incision complications between the two groups,but the incidence of various incision complications was significantly lower in EVH group than in OVH group (12.5% vs 39.7%,P<0.01). There was one death due to postoperative heart failure in each group respectively. There was no difference in operation time duration and postoperative hospitalization time between EVH and OVH groups,but the length of conduit and the treatment cost were significantly different between two groups. The length-time index was increased significantly from 0.41±0.08 in subgroup G1 to 0.75±0.06 in subgroup G4,which represented the learning curve of EVH. Conclusion As a newly emerging technique,EVH has a great promise for its wide application. A definite learning curve is needed for skillful manipulation.?更多