Nitinol thermoreactive clips for secondary sternal closure in cases of noninfective sternal dehiscence

Postoperative sternal dehiscence is a potentially catastrophic sequela to median sternotomy that can cause not only chest-wall discomfort and pulmonary dysfunction but infection, both superficial and mediastinal. Nitinol thermoreactive clips use a novel material in the treatment of sternal dehiscence. We sought to determine whether the use of these clips is an effective remedy for noninfective sternal dehiscence. From January 2008 through December 2011, we retrospectively studied the data on 10 patients whose sternums had been closed with nitinol thermoreactive clips after the development of noninfective sternal dehiscence. Diagnosis was made on the bases of clinical criteria, chest radiography, and microbiological investigation. There was no control group. No procedure-related sequelae occurred. There was no recurrent sternal instability and dehiscence, sternal-related hemorrhage, superficial wound infection, or mediastinal infection. We believe that the use of nitinol thermoreactive clips is a safe, easy, and efficient method of secondary sternal closure for noninfective sternal dehiscence.