Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
09:41

Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications

Published on: May 10, 2024

Vacuum-assisted closure for pediatric post-sternotomy mediastinitis: are low negative pressures sufficient?

Takayuki Kadohama1, Nobuyuki Akasaka, Akira Nagamine

  • 1Department of Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan. tkadoha@asahikawa-med.ac.jp.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|February 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) effectively manages pediatric post-sternotomy mediastinitis. This safe and useful treatment involves low negative pressure for wound healing in young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Wound Management

Background:

  • Post-sternotomy mediastinitis is a serious complication in pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • Traditional treatments can be invasive and may require complex reconstructive procedures.

Observation:

  • Three pediatric cases (two infants, one toddler) with post-sternotomy mediastinitis were treated.
  • Infections were caused by coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) was applied at -50 mm Hg for 7-12 days.

Findings:

  • VAC therapy resulted in successful wound closure without the need for vascularized soft tissue grafts.
  • The procedure demonstrated efficacy in managing deep sternal wound infections in children.

Implications:

  • Low negative pressure VAC is a safe and effective therapeutic option for pediatric post-sternotomy mediastinitis.
  • This approach may reduce morbidity associated with traditional surgical interventions.
  • Further studies are warranted to establish VAC as a standard of care in pediatric mediastinitis.

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy04:05

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy

Published on: August 22, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management01:22

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned under...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation

Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) are essential methods in respiratory care. These ventilation techniques offer unique benefits for patients with various respiratory conditions, providing adequate support without requiring intubation. Let's explore how each method is crucial in improving patient outcomes and enhancing respiratory therapy.
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)