The technical aspect of the gastroepiploic artery graft skeletonization with the harmonic scalpel: the samurai technique

Heart Surg Forum. 2005;8(2):E121-3. doi: 10.1532/hsf98.20041169.

Abstract

A novel skeletonization technique using the scissors-type harmonic scalpel (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA) is presented. This "samurai technique," which uses the harmonic scalpel by frequently turning over the scissors, facilitates the handling of the gastroepiploic artery, enlarges the caliber size, and allows easy skeletonization without any vessel injury.

MeSH terms

  • Coronary Artery Bypass
  • Gastroepiploic Artery / transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Surgical Instruments*
  • Tissue Engineering / instrumentation*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting
  • Ultrasonics*