Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying Host-Microbe Interactions in Wound Biofilm Formation
07:16

Author Spotlight: Studying Host-Microbe Interactions in Wound Biofilm Formation

Published on: June 16, 2023

2.5K

Wound infections after median sternotomy treated by VAC therapy, summary of results, and risk factor analysis

M Hulman, B Bezak, P Artemiou

    Bratislavske Lekarske Listy
    |January 12, 2018
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    High BMI, female gender, and bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) use are key risk factors for developing surgical site infections (SSI) after heart surgery. These factors predict infection severity and patient outcomes.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiovascular Surgery
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Surgical Site Infections

    Background:

    • Median sternotomy is a common approach for cardiac surgery.
    • Surgical site infections (SSI) are a significant complication following sternotomy.
    • Identifying risk factors for SSI is crucial for patient management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To summarize outcomes of patients who developed SSI after median sternotomy.
    • To analyze risk factors associated with SSI development in this patient cohort.
    • To evaluate the impact of infection severity on patient prognosis.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 143 patients with SSI after median sternotomy.
    • Data collected from a total of 4,650 cardiac surgery patients (2012-2015).
    • VAC therapy was used for treating the identified SSIs.

    Main Results:

    • Body Mass Index (BMI), female gender, and bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) use were significant risk factors for SSI (p < 0.001).
    • 14 patients developed deep sternal wound infection (DSWI); one had suspected osteomyelitis.
    • Infection severity significantly impacted patient outcomes (p < 0.01).

    Conclusions:

    • BMI, female gender, and BIMA use predict SSI development in cardiac surgery patients.
    • Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was noted as a comorbidity in patients with BIMA use.
    • While operation acuteness did not directly predict SSI, it influenced infection severity.
    Keywords:
    VAC therapy negative‑pressure wound closure.median sternotomywound infections

    More Related Videos

    Development of a Benchtop Model for Evaluating the Compatibility of Wound Dressing Materials with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems06:45

    Development of a Benchtop Model for Evaluating the Compatibility of Wound Dressing Materials with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems

    Published on: May 2, 2025

    898
    An Acupoint Catgut-embedding Therapy for Treating Obesity04:50

    An Acupoint Catgut-embedding Therapy for Treating Obesity

    Published on: April 4, 2025

    1.6K

    Related Concept Videos

    Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

    Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

    The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
    The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
    13.9K
    Drug Toxicity: Risk factors01:24

    Drug Toxicity: Risk factors

    Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...
    18
    5-Number Summary01:04

    5-Number Summary

    In a dataset, the 5-number summary includes the minimum data value, the data value of the first quartile, the median data value or data value of the second quartile, the data value of the third quartile, and the maximum data value. These 5 data values can be visualized as a box and whisker plot.
    In a box plot, the minimum and maximum data values represent the lower and upper whiskers in the graph, and the median is designated as the center of the box in the chart. The first quartile and third...
    5.8K
    Median01:08

    Median

    Besides mean, the median is a widely used measure of central tendency. Typically, median is defined as the central or middle value of a data set, measured by arranging the data elements in an increasing or decreasing order. Since this middle value is not affected by the precise numerical values of the outliers or fluctuations, it is insensitive to them. Hence, in cases where a data set may have outliers or the extreme values are not known, the median is a better measure of the central tendency...
    29.6K
    Discharge Summary Forms01:31

    Discharge Summary Forms

    The discharge summary is crucial as it enables a smooth transition from a healthcare facility to a patient's home or another care setting. This critical document facilitates seamless continuity of care, ensuring patients receive the necessary support and attention.
    Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
    1.3K
    Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy01:16

    Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy

    Helicobacter pylori, a resilient gram-negative bacterium, can thrive in the stomach's harsh, acidic environment. Infection with H. pylori leads to a cascade of events within the stomach lining. One of the critical disruptions caused by this bacterium is the interference with somatostatin production, a hormone responsible for regulating acid secretion. This interference tips the balance, escalating acid secretion and diminishing bicarbonate levels. This imbalance compromises the defensive...
    1.4K