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Description of a reusable device for the temporary stenting of the open sternum
H Kusber1, M Chares, M-J Polonius
1Klinik für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefässchirurgie des Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH, Germany. Kusber@t-online.de
Background:
Myocardial oedema, non-surgical bleeding and the use of mechanical assist devices following major heart surgery sometimes prevent primary closure of the sternum.
Method:
We describe a reusable sterile device for temporarily stenting the open sternum for safety.
Results:
The sternal stent was used in 32 patients for a mean time of 2 days. We observed no mediastinitis and no wound-healing disorders. A secondary closure of the sternum was performed in 28 patients.
Conclusion:
We present a device for sternal stenting that is reusable, easy to apply and allows a good handling of the critically ill patient due to its extreme stability.