Do external support devices reduce sternal wound complications after cardiac surgery?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Surgical Complications
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Sternal wound complications are a significant concern following cardiac surgery requiring sternotomy.
• External support devices are increasingly explored to mitigate these risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of external support devices in reducing sternal wound complications after cardiac surgery.
• To compare the effectiveness of different types of external support devices.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of the best evidence was conducted, identifying six randomized controlled trials.
• Studies focused on adult patients undergoing sternotomy for cardiac surgery.

Main Results:

• External chest support devices significantly reduced deep sternal wound complications compared to no support.
• Non-elastic devices demonstrated greater efficacy than elastic bandages in preventing sternal complications.
• Three studies indicated a significant reduction in mean hospital stay with non-elastic chest support devices.

Conclusions:

• Early application of external non-elastic sternal support devices effectively reduces overall sternal wound complications.
• These devices may also contribute to a shorter hospital length of stay post-sternotomy.