Should vacuum-assisted closure therapy be routinely used for management of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) should be routinely used for management of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery. Altogether, 198 papers were identified using the reported search. A further three relevant papers were identified by hand searching reference lists. Thirteen papers represented the best evidence on the topic. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses were tabulated. We conclude that VAC provides a viable and efficacious adjunctive method by which to treat postoperative wound infection after cardiac surgery. It is especially useful for managing sternal osteomyelitis in high-risk patients and is an attractive option as a first-line therapy in this group of patients. However, currently the evidence to endorse its routine use for management of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery is weak. A randomised controlled trial comparing VAC therapy with the conventional treatment is mandatory to validate its safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness as a routine first-line therapy for management of deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery.