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Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Sternum augmentation with bovine bone substitute in the neonate
Robert von Wattenwyl1, Matthias Siepe, Raoul Arnold
1Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Albert-Ludwigs University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. robert.wattenwyl@uniklinik-freiburg.de
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|December 22, 2010
Summary
Delayed chest closure in neonates is challenging. A novel sternal augmentation technique using bovine bone substitute successfully closed chests in two infants, offering a new solution for complex congenital heart defect cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
- Biomaterials in Medicine
- Congenital Heart Defects
Background:
- Delayed sternal closure is sometimes necessary after heart surgery for congenital disorders.
- Challenges exist in sternal closure, even with staged procedures.
Observation:
- Two neonates required staged chest closure due to cardiomediastinal disproportion and hemodynamic instability.
- These cases involved complex post-cardiac surgery scenarios.
Findings:
- A novel sternal augmentation technique using bovine bone substitute was successfully employed.
- Complete sternal closure was achieved in both neonate cases.
Implications:
- This technique represents a potential advancement in managing complex sternal defects in neonates.
- It may offer a viable solution for challenging cases requiring delayed chest closure.

