Perioperative routines and complications after saphenous vein graft harvesting during coronary arterial surgery

Approximately 2,500–3,000 coronary arterial surgeries are performed in Sweden annually. These operations are performed at eight cardiothoracic clinics around the country. Subsequent leg wound complications resulting from saphenous vein graft harvesting, such as wound infections, are quite common, but research in the field is limited. Regarding the surgical operative technique in saphenous vein graft harvesting, the perioperative hygiene procedures and postoperative care of the wound, there are no evidence-based national or international guidelines, meaning that routines can differ between hospitals, and quite often are based more on local traditions than on scientific evidence.

The purpose of the project is to identify current methods and perioperative routines which are used for saphenous vein graft harvesting during coronary arterial surgery, as well as describe patients’ experience of suffering from and receiving care for severe wound infection in connection with the harvesting.

By identifying these methods and routines, we hope to contribute to increased knowledge in connection with saphenous vein graft harvesting during coronary arterial surgery. Also, by also gaining knowledge of patients’ postoperative experiences after suffering a leg wound infection, we hope to further raise awareness of and improve the quality of care.