Sternal closure with absorbable pins and cords in general thoracic surgery

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Median sternotomy commonly uses permanent metal wires for sternal closure.
• These wires can cause complications as they are permanent foreign bodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical feasibility of using absorbable sutures and pins for median sternotomy closure.
• To assess sternal complications associated with this alternative closure method.

Main Methods:

• A novel closure technique using absorbable sutures and pins was employed in 24 adult general thoracic surgery patients.
• Sternal closure was assessed for complications, including dehiscence detected by computed tomography.

Main Results:

• Three cases of sternal dehiscence were detected by computed tomography, none requiring re-operation.
• Sternal dehiscence occurred in two patients with diabetes mellitus and one on corticosteroid therapy.
• No sternal complications were observed in patients without diabetes mellitus or corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusions:

• The use of absorbable sutures and pins for median sternotomy is clinically feasible.
• Appropriate patient selection, excluding those with diabetes mellitus or on corticosteroid therapy, is crucial for avoiding sternal complications.