Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
09:31
Normothermic Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex Situ Lung Perfusion: Evaluation of Lung Function and Metabolism
Published on: February 14, 2022
2.6K
Post-sternotomy mediastinitis in the modern era.
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Hospital, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|August 24, 2017
Summary
Post-sternotomy mediastinitis is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. Prompt diagnosis and management, including preventative measures, are vital to reduce mortality and morbidity from this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Post-sternotomy mediastinitis presents significant mortality and morbidity risks following cardiac surgery.
- Despite advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care, it remains a devastating complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of post-sternotomy mediastinitis in the modern era.
- To discuss its incidence, risk factors, microbiology, prevention, and management.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE up to March 9, 2017.
- Publications relevant to mediastinitis post-cardiac surgery were included.
Main Results:
- Incidence ranges from 0.3-3.4% with in-hospital mortality of 1.1-19%.
- Risk factors include patient comorbidities (diabetes, obesity, smoking, renal failure) and surgical techniques.
- Prevention involves decontamination, antibiotic prophylaxis, glycemic control, and meticulous surgery; treatment includes antibiotics, debridement, and sternal reconstruction, with vacuum-assisted therapy as an option.
Conclusions:
- Post-sternotomy mediastinitis remains a potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery.
- Effective management relies on preventative strategies, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment to minimize mortality and morbidity.
More Related Videos
15:11Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling
Published on: January 5, 2015
65.2K
06:59Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
636
Related Concept Videos
01:26Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
345
Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
345
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
888
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
888
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
415
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
415
01:27Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management
313
A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
313
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
251
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
251
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
393
Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
393