USE OF THE SUTURE LOCK PLATE FOR STERNAL APPROXIMATION IN CHILDREN
Hillel Laks1, John J. Lamberti, Aldo Castaneda
1Children's Hospital Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Insights
The Pill-Wolvek Suture Lock Plate offers a stronger, safer alternative for pediatric sternal closure after median sternotomy, avoiding complications associated with traditional sutures and wires.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Biomaterials in Medicine
Background:
- Sternal closure in pediatric patients after median sternotomy traditionally uses non-resorbable sutures or stainless steel wire.
- Non-resorbable sutures can lead to chronic sinus formation.
- Stainless steel wire carries risks of breakage and skin pressure complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Pill-Wolvek Suture Lock Plate as an alternative method for sternal closure in pediatric patients.
- To compare the outcomes of the suture lock plate with traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- The Pill-Wolvek Suture Lock Plate was utilized in the sternal closure of 26 pediatric patients.
- Patient age ranged from seven days to six years.
- Outcomes were assessed for healing and complications.
Main Results:
- The Pill-Wolvek Suture Lock Plate demonstrated excellent healing in all patients.
- No complications were attributed to the use of the suture lock plate.
- This method offers enhanced strength and eliminates issues with prominent, twisted wire ends.
Conclusions:
- The Pill-Wolvek Suture Lock Plate is a safe and effective alternative for pediatric sternal closure.
- It provides superior strength and improved patient comfort compared to conventional methods.
- This technique minimizes the risk of wire-related complications in pediatric cardiac surgery patients.
Abstract:
Sternal closure after median sternotomy in the pediatric age group may be accomplished with non-resorbable sutures or stainless steel wire. The former has the disadvantages of chronic sinus formation and the latter may either break or cause pressure on the skin. The Pill-Wolvek Suture Lock Plate was used as an alternative method in 26 patients aged from seven days to six years. It has the advantage of greater strength and avoids the problem of prominent twisted wire ends. Healing has been excellent and there have been no complications attributed to the wires.
