Bridging
Another type of harvesting called bridging can also be performed. This technique utilizes standard surgical equipment to remove the great saphenous vein through several smaller incisions, each about 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) in length.
Bridging has the potential benefit of less wound infections due to the intact “bridges” of skin that remain.
The risks of bridging include infection, bleeding, thermal injury and potentially increased tension on the vessel during harvest. This tension may cause injury to the vessel when compared to an open traditional harvest.