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The Thoracic Cage: Sternum

The Thoracic Cage: Sternum

The thoracic or rib cage forms the body's thorax (chest) portion. Its primary function in the body is to protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and the lungs. It consists of 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum. The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12).
The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid...

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Novel Sternal Protection Device for Cardiac Surgery Via Median Sternotomy Incision.

Silvana F Marasco¹, David C McGiffin, Adam D Zimmet

¹From the *Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; †Protego Medical Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; ‡Easington Pty Ltd, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia; §Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and ∥Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

Innovations (Philadelphia, Pa.)

|October 13, 2017

Summary

A novel sternal protection device safely reduced sternal bleeding and prevented sternal trauma in cardiac surgery patients. Further studies are recommended to confirm its efficacy in reducing morbidity.

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Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Surgery
Biomedical Engineering

Background:

Sternal bleeding post-cardiac surgery often requires bone wax, which can impede healing.
Current methods for controlling sternal bleeding may have adverse effects on wound recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate a new, cost-effective sternal protection device for reducing bleeding and trauma during cardiac surgery.
To identify a safe and user-friendly technique for managing sternal bleeding.

Main Methods:

A sternal protection device was applied to sternal sections after sternotomy before retractor insertion.
Sternal bleeding, ease of use, and sternal trauma were assessed intraoperatively.
Patient satisfaction and adverse events were recorded, with follow-up at 24 hours and 4 weeks.

Main Results:

No sternal trauma was observed in the 12 study participants.
Sternal bleeding was reduced in 9 out of 11 patients after device application.
The device was generally easy to use, with minor difficulties noted with specific retractors.

Conclusions:

The sternal protection device appears safe and effective in reducing sternal bleeding during cardiac surgery.
Further large-scale studies with control groups are needed to confirm the device's impact on reducing morbidity.