Sensations during removal of epicardial pacing wires after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
published online 27 January 2009.
Background
One procedure that is commonly performed after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is removal of epicardial pacing wires (EPWs). Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding the sensations experienced by patients during this procedure.
Objective
To determine the sensations commonly reported by patients during EPW removal.
Methods
A secondary analysis was performed on data sets from 2 previous studies to determine the sensations commonly experienced by patients during EPW removal. The sample consisted of 144 subjects from 2 teaching hospitals.
Results
The most commonly reported sensation during EPW removal was a “mild to moderate pulling” sensation.
Conclusion
This secondary analysis provides important information regarding the sensations most commonly reported by patients during EPW removal. This sensory information could be incorporated into a psycho-educational information intervention to prepare patients for EPW removal.
aSchool of Nursing, Oakland University, Rochester, MI
bCardiac Services, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
cFaculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
ABSTRACT