The radial artery is often used as a bypass graft in patients requiring coronary artery bypass.   Arteries have been shown to last longer than veins.  In the past, removal of the radial artery from the arm required an incision from the wrist to the crease at the elbow.  Now there is a new technology that allows us to remove the radial artery from the arm using an endoscope.  With this new procedure, the entire artery can be removed using a 2-3 inch incision at the wrist.  This decreases the morbidity and the healing time.  If you have been referred for coronary artery bypass, please ask about endoscopic radial artery harvesting.