RN first assistants expand their perioperative role.

At the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the RN first assistant (RNFA) role has expanded to include radial artery (RA) harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery. This new role encompasses preoperatively assessing the RA with the Allen's test and perfusion index; intraoperatively removing the RA, dissecting the RA as a pedicle, and maintaining hemostasis and wound closure; and postoperatively collaborating with the postoperative muse clinician during patient care and management in the intensive care unit. This article outlines the RNFA's expanded role in this detailed surgical procedure.