Longitudinal reinforcement for treatment of sternal dehiscence
Pasquale Totaro1, Nello Degno, Vincenzo Argano
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Regional Cardiac Center, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom. ptotaro@yahoo.com
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|September 29, 2006
Abstract:
Re-fixation of the sternum after sternal dehiscence is still a problem following cardiac surgery. An original technique that allows reinforcement against various causes of dehiscence is described. The technique consists of 3 additional overlapping longitudinal wires set on both sides of the sternum. Over 2 years, this technique was applied in 34 patients, with complete sternal re-fixation in all, and no signs of recurrence on follow-up.
