Right gastroepiploic artery conduit use in myocardial revascularization

The majority of surgeons use the saphenous vein or internal mammary artery as conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Improved long-term patient survival rates after CABG have increased the need for alternative conduits in reoperations for myocardial revascularization. In the past 20 years, surgeons have begun using the right gastroepiploic artery (GEA) as an alternative conduit in CABG. Perioperative nursing care of patients undergoing right GEA grafting for myocardial revascularization includes documentation of patient problems and nursing actions taken; preoperative patient assessment and teaching; intraoperative management of patient positioning, temperature, and skin integrity; and postoperative care to maintain the patient's hemodynamic stability and avoid complications.