Endoscopic vein harvesting seems to be superior to minimally invasive vein harvesting in terms of a significant reduction of residual leg oedema, pain intensity and particularly saphenous neuropathy in the postoperative and midterm follow-up.

The authors report on a 75-year-old female who underwent redo coronary artery bypass grafting. Because of previous use of the left mammary artery and the unsuitability of the great saphenous veins and radial arteries, the left ulnar artery was chosen as a graft. A detailed study of forearm and hand circulation, including assessment of palmar arch patency, was mandatory to safely harvest this alternative conduit.