ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe a new technique of sternal closure, modified from the conventional figure-of-eight approach, which can provide a secure closure and prevent sternal complications. METHODS: The modified technique is based on the intercalation of the caudal portion of each steel wire passed along the sternum. This is a retrospective analysis of patients operated with this modified technique at our institution between January 2014 and December 2016. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-three patients underwent sternal closure with the modified technique. In-hospital mortality rate was 1.4% (n=2). No sternal instability was observed at 30 days postoperatively. Two patients developed mediastinitis that required extraction of the wires. CONCLUSION: Short-term results have shown that the modified sternal closure technique can be used safely and effectively, with complications rates being consistent with worldwide experience.
Subject(s)
Sternum/surgery , Surgical Wound Dehiscence/prevention & control , Suture Techniques/instrumentation , Wound Closure Techniques/instrumentation , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Bone Wires/adverse effects , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Mediastinitis/complications , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Postoperative Period , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Surgical Wound Dehiscence/etiology , Suture Techniques/adverse effects , Wound Closure Techniques/mortality , Young AdultABSTRACT
Abstract Objective: To describe a new technique of sternal closure, modified from the conventional figure-of-eight approach, which can provide a secure closure and prevent sternal complications. Methods: The modified technique is based on the intercalation of the caudal portion of each steel wire passed along the sternum. This is a retrospective analysis of patients operated with this modified technique at our institution between January 2014 and December 2016. Results: One hundred and forty-three patients underwent sternal closure with the modified technique. In-hospital mortality rate was 1.4% (n=2). No sternal instability was observed at 30 days postoperatively. Two patients developed mediastinitis that required extraction of the wires. Conclusion: Short-term results have shown that the modified sternal closure technique can be used safely and effectively, with complications rates being consistent with worldwide experience.