Peripheral Nerve Injuries Following Cardiac Surgery: A Neglected Side Effect

In recent years, peripheral nerve injury is a relatively few complication after cardiac surgery. We investigated that peripheral nerve injuries were retrospectively assessed in the results of the patients who underwent open heart surgery during a 36-month period. Peripheral nerve injuries was reported in 11 cases (1.9%) of 581 patients who underwent correction of congenital heart surgery, valve operation and coronary artery bypass grafting with median sternotomy. The main symptoms were continuous pain, and motor and sensory disturbances at the affected upper or lower extremity. The majority of patients recovered without further treatment. This article introduces the basic anatomy and physiology of peripheral nerves and nerve injuries. A clear understanding of these mechanisms is important in order to modify surgical and nursing managements to prevent this neglected complication of cardiac surgery.