Could routine saphenous vein ultrasound mapping reduce leg wound complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting?

A best evidence topic was written in cardiothoracic surgery based on a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether ultrasound mapping of the long saphenous vein (LSV) might reduce leg wound complications by reducing unnecessary leg incisions due to poor quality veins. Altogether, 32 abstracts were identified from the search, from which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Surgical site infections can be extremely distressing for patients, and it is estimated that treating a surgical wound can cost up to £1554 each. Ultrasound mapping of the LSV has been reported to be an accurate way of assessing vein quality preoperatively, reducing unnecessary surgical dissection, theatre time and cost to both the patient and the health service. We identified four studies that showed that ultrasound scanning preoperatively could accurately predict the anatomy and quality of the LSV (correlation coefficient 0.87). One paper showed that ultrasound scanning reduced length of incision (P = 0.005), harvest time (P = 0.04) and hospital stay and reduced morbidity (although not statistically significant). However, one study found that it could not accurately predict vein wall changes. Evidence from the papers supports the use of preoperative ultrasound assessment of the saphenous vein. Benefits to the patient include a smaller scar, reduced harvest time and minimizing unnecessary incisions.