Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: Studying Cardiac Cell-Matrix Interactions In Vitro
Published on: March 22, 2024
Use of an Extracellular Matrix Patch for Sternal Wound Dehiscence after Cardiac Surgery in a Neonate
Abstract:
Management of sternal wound dehiscence in newborns after cardiac operations can be a slow and lengthy process, during which the risk of progression to deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis remains a concern. We report the case of a neonate born with single-ventricle physiology who underwent a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure as first-stage palliation toward creating Fontan circulation. The postoperative period was characterized by sterile wound dehiscence of the subcutaneous layers. We used a CorMatrix extracellular matrix patch as an adjunct to repair the wound defect. After 7 weeks, the wound had healed with excellent results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of extracellular matrix patch implantation for sternal wound reconstruction in a neonate.
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