Photobiomodulation in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With No-Touch vs Conventional Saphenous Vein Harvesting.

Impact of Photobiomodulation in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Comparison Between No-Touch and Conventional Saphenous Vein Harvesting Techniques on Clinical Outcomes, Functional Capacity, and Wound Healing: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of photobiomodulation therapy on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The study will compare two techniques for saphenous vein graft harvesting: the conventional technique and the no-touch technique. Participants will be randomly allocated into four groups: conventional harvesting with placebo, conventional harvesting with photobiomodulation, no-touch harvesting with placebo, and no-touch harvesting with photobiomodulation. The primary objective is to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation on wound healing and postoperative complications related to the saphenous vein harvesting site. Secondary outcomes include clinical outcomes and functional capacity after surgery. The results may contribute to improving postoperative recovery and optimizing surgical strategies in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization.

Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a widely performed surgical procedure for the treatment of advanced coronary artery disease. The saphenous vein is frequently used as a graft in CABG; however, complications related to vein harvesting, including wound infection, delayed healing, and postoperative pain, remain relevant clinical concerns.

The no-touch technique for saphenous vein harvesting has been proposed as a strategy to preserve the structural integrity of the vein and potentially improve graft patency and reduce local tissue trauma. In addition, photobiomodulation therapy (low-level laser therapy) has demonstrated beneficial effects on tissue repair, inflammation modulation, and wound healing.

This study, named PHOTON Study, is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial designed to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy in patients undergoing CABG. Participants will be randomized into four groups according to the harvesting technique and the use of photobiomodulation therapy. This study protocol was developed in accordance with the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) guidelines.

Photobiomodulation will be applied using a cluster laser device (E-light, DMC Equipamentos Ltda., Brazil) with a wavelength of 660 nm and output power of 100 mW. The laser will be applied locally along the surgical incision of the saphenous vein harvesting site using a point technique with standardized spacing between application points. The intervention will be performed intraoperatively and during the early postoperative period.

The primary outcomes include wound healing and postoperative complications related to the saphenous vein harvesting site. Secondary outcomes include clinical outcomes and functional capacity following surgery.

This trial may contribute to improving postoperative care and recovery in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease scheduled to undergo elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Use of the saphenous vein as a graft for myocardial revascularization
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery
• Previous surgery in the lower limb that prevents saphenous vein harvesting
• Active infection at the surgical site or lower limb
• Severe peripheral arterial disease in the lower limbs
• Hemodynamic instability preventing study protocol procedures
• Participation in another interventional clinical trial that may interfere with the outcomes of this study
• Patients unable to perform postoperative functional capacity assessments
• Individuals with highly pigmented skin or sensibility that may alter light absorption and penetration of the photobiomodulation therapy.