Abstract
Problems, such as slow-healing wounds and wound infections, arising at the saphenous vein harvest surgical site following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery are more common than was previously thought. Few studies exist that address this and which at the same time adopt a nursing — patient perspective. This project came about when staff at the regional cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) was notified that a number of recently discharged patients were now attending the Tissue Viability Centre for wounds at the saphenous vein harvest surgical site. It was therefore decided to investigate this in more detail as part of quality assuring the care provided at the ICU. A telephone interview was conducted with 114 respondents who in the last three months had undergone a CABG. The aim was to explore how they perceived their general health and if they experienced any problems at the leg harvest site. Although no statistical significance was found concerning some of the well-known risk factors, 13.2% of them experienced problems at the leg harvest site. The findings indicate that the cardiothoracic nurse can have an important role to play at the pre-discharge stage with regard to the provision of information and support for this group of patients.