ABSTRACT
The first step in any procedure is exposure and isolation of the vessels. During dissection it is important to stay on the surface of the artery or vein and to mobilise sufficiently to gain proximal and distal control of the area of interest. It is also important to advance on a broad front, avoiding following a vessel into a narrow space with no scope for control of unexpected haemorrhage. All vessels should be handled gently, as trauma to the wall may lead to local thrombosis or wall disruption with bleeding. Clamps should be applied with the minimal compression required to control flow, thus minimising the risk of injury, as a flap or dissection can result from even an apparently minor intimal injury.
