During a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), what should a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) have ready for immediate use?

During a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), having heparinized saline ready for immediate use is essential because heparin plays a critical role in preventing clot formation during the surgical procedure. CABG often involves placing the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass, where anticoagulation is necessary to maintain blood flow and avoid thrombosis while the heart is being operated on. Heparinized saline, which contains heparin dissolved in a saline solution, is used to ensure that the blood remains fluid and to flush the vascular system throughout the procedure.

In the context of CABG, while other items like normal saline, antibiotics, and sterile dressings have importance, they do not take precedence over the immediate need for an anticoagulant. Normal saline is used for hydration and flushing but lacks the anticoagulant properties required during this type of surgery. Antibiotics are important for infection prevention and may be administered but are generally considered after proper surgical exposure is achieved. Sterile dressings are also important for closure at the conclusion of the procedure, but they are not needed during the critical intraoperative phase as heparinized saline is.