The neglected second wound: a qualitative study of patients' experiences of lower limb vascular harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the experiences and feelings of patients undergoing lower limb vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Qualitative, phenomenological research methodology with purposive sampling. Semistructured interview data were analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step method with the NVivo 12 Plus software. A single-centre study in a Grade A hospital in Nanjing, China. A total of 23 patients who underwent CABG with saphenous vein harvesting between October 2024 and March 2025. The participants' experiences were summarised into four themes: preoperative cognitive differences influencing decision-making, postoperative physiological changes triggering psychological distress, diverse coping strategies and support needs, and reconstruction of body image and identity. Medical staff should pay attention to the feelings of patients undergoing CABG with vein harvesting from the lower limbs. By actively implementing shared decision-making, promoting high-quality nursing services, improving multidimensional support systems, and enhancing patients' psychological and social adaptability, healthcare professionals can improve patients' perioperative experiences and promote their comprehensive recovery.