Coronary artery bypass graft patients' pain perception during epicardial pacing wire removal

Surgical placement of temporary epicardial pacing wires (EPWs) onto the epicardial surface of the heart is standard practice during cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the intensity and quality of pain and sensations experienced during the procedure of EPWs removal for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. A descriptive study, incorporating the McGill Pain Questionnaire-short form and visual analogue scales, was used with 100 CABG patients requiring EPW removal. The pain intensity was reported as mild (47%), while the main sensation experienced was pulling (70%). Age, gender, previous cardiac surgery and EPW removal experience, and use of analgesics did not influence the pain and sensations experienced. However, subjects who had EPWs removed on post-operative day five or earlier did present with higher MPQ-SF affective and combined scores. CABG patients can be prepared for EPW removal by providing information that the procedure is a mildly painful, pulling sensation.