Coronary subclavian steal syndrome: implications for nursing care.

Coronary artery disease remains the major cause of death and disability in the United States. Surgical procedures such as the internal mammary artery (IMA) bypass grafting of coronary arteries might be associated with complications, such as the coronary subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS). Cardiovascular nurses need to increase their knowledge and skills and be aware of the signs and symptoms of CSSS, which are easily assessed. This will help identify those patients at risk for CSSS. Early detection and identification of this syndrome in postsurgical coronary bypass patients is essential to ensuring appropriate interventions.