We evaluated the effects of the radial artery on the functional outcomes and endothelium when the harvest was made either by harmonic scalpel or by high-frequency electrocautery.Between 2002 and 2007, 982 patients with coronary artery diseases were operated for coronary artery revascularization. The radial arteries were harvested for 101 of these patients and divided into two groups depending on the use of the harmonic scalpel (Group A; N=51) and the high-frequency electrocautery (Group B; N=50). Harvesting time, use of hemostatic clips, frequency of spasm, in situ free flow, and endothelial damage were compared between the two groups.Conventional high-frequency electrocautery technique used 8.7+/-3.9 hemostatic clips versus 1.5+/-1 clips (P0.05).Ultrasonic dissection with harmonic scalpel of the radial artery is associated with a decreased use of hemostatic clips. Moreover, the harmonic scalpel has a positive effect on endothelial preservation and it was associated with increased free blood flow of the radial artery.