- Femoral arterial access is sometimes obtained when radial artery monitoring is a concern.
- The most common position used for cardiovascular procedures is the supine position. This type of position allows the best possible surgical access to the chest cavity.
- For coronary artery bypass grafting, the anterior thorax is exposed with the patient in a supine position.
- The surgeon is almost always on the right side of the patient.
- Assistant on the left side.
- Bypass machine is usually close to the patient and can be on either side.
- Monitor that is positioned so the surgeon can see the hemodynamics during the procedure.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram machine is at the head of the patient.