Wound Complications

Patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at increased risk of wound complications at the vascular access site after decannulation. These complications may delay recovery and increase healthcare burden. Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may improve wound healing by reducing fluid accumulation and supporting the incision. This study evaluates whether prophylactic NPWT reduces wound complications compared to standard wound care following ECMO decannulation.

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two different techniques: endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting versus conventional open harvesting in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, either alone or in combination with another cardiac surgical procedure (valve surgery or arrhythmia surgery). The main questions the trial aims to answer are: Does the endoscopic technique reduce surgical wound morbidity in terms of shorter hospital stays? Does endoscopic saphenous harvesting reduce the use of antibiotics for saphenectomy wound infections? Does the endoscopic technique reduce need for wound dressings due to necrosis and/or wound infection, and reduce need for analgesic treatment for wound pain? This prospective, randomized study will be conducted in the Cardiovascular Surgery Service at Hospital Clínico San Carlos. Participants will be randomly assigned to a different saphenectomy technique. All patients will be assessed for saphenectomy wound complications upon discharge, and by phone call at 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months following the intervention.