Identifying the optimal monopolar electrocautery output power in pedicular internal thoracic artery harvesting: 20 or 40 watts?

Abstract

Background: Monopolar electrocautery is an important tool for harvesting the pedicular internal thoracic artery (ITA) in cardiac surgery. The different power outputs of cautery may affect graft integrity and long-term patency. This study aimed to identify the optimal threshold of electrocautery power for ITA harvest.