First in Ireland Endoscopic Radial Harvest at Dept of Cardiothoracic surgery, University Hospital Galway

University Hospital Galway (UHG) is the first hospital in the country to introduce a new minimally invasive surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting.

The endoscopic radial harvest programme reduces significantly the risk of complications and infection for the patient.

The procedure was carried out for the first time in Ireland by Dr Sadiq Siddiqui as part of the minimal access surgery programme in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Galway. Dr Siddiqui is an integral member of the surgical team led by Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeons; Mr Fabio Bartolozzi, Mr Ronan Kelly and, Mr Alan Soo.

Traditionally in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations, a number of arteries and veins are removed from their natural position and used as conduits to bring blood to the narrow or blocked coronary arteries on the surface of a patient’s heart.

The standard surgery leaves large scars on the patient’s legs and forearms that are often slow to heal and can be disfiguring. This new endoscopic approach leaves two tiny scars on the forearm in place of a foot long scar along the whole arm. These heal quicker and with less pain. “The radial artery from the forearm has been shown to be a longer lasting and superior vessel to use in Coronary Artery Surgery operations particularly in younger patients,” said Dr Siddiqui

After performing over 400 endoscopic saphenous vein harvests (EVH) in Galway as part of coronary artery bypass operations, Dr Siddiqui travelled to the Royal Brompton National Heart Hospital in London to further his training in endoscopic surgery. There he trained in this new technique to also harvest the radial artery from the left forearm. “We are very grateful to the Royal Brompton Hospital for the assistance and expertise,” he added.

Prof Pat Nash, Chief Clinical Director with the Saolta University Hospital Group added: “The Endoscopic Radial Artery (ERAH) programme will further advance the burgeoning minimally invasive cardiac surgery programme in Galway and improve the care of patient’s undergoing coronary artery surgery in Galway by reducing their risk of complications and infections.”

Chris Kane, hospital manager at GUH congratulated the team describing the innovating procedure as an important step in enhancing patient care. “This healthcare innovation will greatly improve our patient’s care. Introducing new techniques and procedures is an important part of our role as a teaching hospital and I am delighted to see such progressive surgeries take place here,” she added.

Photo Captions:

Endoscopic Radial harvest 1: The surgical team for the first endoscopic radial harvest surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting in Ireland at University Hospital Galway. From left: Mr Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon; Dr Sadiq Siddiqui, Cardiothoracic Surgery Registrar and Mr Ronan Kelly, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon.  Missing from the photo Mr Fabio Bartolozzi, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Endoscopic Radial harvest 2: Dr Sadiq Siddiqui, Cardiothoracic Surgery Registrar performing the first endoscopic radial harvest surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting in Ireland at University Hospital Galway.