diff --git a/python/ycm/vimsupport.py b/python/ycm/vimsupport.py
index f30de92a..be41b607 100644
--- a/python/ycm/vimsupport.py
+++ b/python/ycm/vimsupport.py
@@ -895,15 +895,6 @@ def OpenFileInPreviewWindow( filename ):
   vim.command( 'silent! pedit! ' + filename )
 
 
-def GetPreviewBuffer():
-  """ Get the preview buffer. Create it if it does not exist. """
-  variable_name = 'g:ycm_preview_buffer_name'
-  if not VariableExists( variable_name ):
-    SetVariableValue( variable_name, vim.eval( 'tempname()' ) )
-
-  return GetVariableValue( variable_name )
-
-
 def WriteToPreviewWindow( message ):
   """ Display the supplied message in the preview window """
 
@@ -916,7 +907,7 @@ def WriteToPreviewWindow( message ):
 
   ClosePreviewWindow()
 
-  OpenFileInPreviewWindow( GetPreviewBuffer() )
+  OpenFileInPreviewWindow( vim.eval( 'tempname()' ) )
 
   if JumpToPreviewWindow():
     # We actually got to the preview window. By default the preview window can't