Peripheral nerve injuries in cardiac anaesthesia

Clinical nerve damage in patients undergoing CABG is frequent (15% of patients), while subclinical changes in ulnar nerve function are more common (40% here). Not all injuries develop in the early perioperative period. Most injuries are located at the elbow, and most recover without sequelae. Larger patients appear to be at most risk, but this study does not identify specific interventions which might decrease the risk of injury.