Perioperative nursing has been impacted by a multitude of changes as medical technology continues its rapid advance. What may prove to be a major innovation in coronary artery bypass surgery is currently being performed in the United States, Europe and South America. Mini-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgery is performed through small incisions made in the chest wall, eliminating the need to "crack" the chest. This method reduces the pain and trauma to the patient and shortens the time required for hospitalization and recovery.