Endoscopic Vein Harvesting (EVH)
Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute

Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
Endoscopic vein harvesting is done to obtain veins for grafting during bypass surgery.

What is the procedure?
Using VirtuoSaph™ a state of the art device for minimally invasive vein harvesting, only three small incisions are made in the leg. Unlike traditional vein harvesting that involves a large incision down the length of the leg ultimately leaving a massive wound and a large scar, the endoscopic vein harvesting procedure minimizes scarring, morbidity, and infection associated with traditional longitudinal incisions. Once the incisions are made the VirtuoSaph™ system allows your Sutter surgeon to carefully remove the vein from the leg for use in the grafting procedure.

Sutter Heart and Vascular Institute is a Terumo Center of Excellence for Endoscopic Vein Harvesting
Terumo’s Centers of Excellence in Endoscopic Vein Harvesting have been established to promote collaboration and the establishment of best practices. Being a Center of Excellence, Sutter Heart and Vascular Institute is proud to be able to teach and provide opportunities for clinicians and physicians evaluating the VirtuoSaph™ System. At our Center of Excellence these clinicians and physicians will be able to discuss the system and procedure with our experienced surgeons, observe cases, and practice the procedure on VirtuoSaph™ endoscopic simulators.

Where is the procedure performed?
In the Operating Room (OR), under general anesthesia.

How long does this procedure take?
The Endoscopic Vein Harvesting Procedure takes, 2-3 hours.

Which facilities perform this procedure?
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

For more information about this procedure or to schedule a consultation, please call this toll-free number (877) 452-8291.