Patient-Related Progression of Steeper Sternal Wire Angles: A Case Report

A 78-year-old female presented with a history of left atrial myxoma resection 12 years before presentation. The initial surgery involved a median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass for tumor excision. Sternal closure was achieved using six titanium wires, with the lowermost wire noted to be slightly elevated from the sternum immediately post-operation. The patient, an active individual who regularly practiced yoga, including frequent prone positions, was discharged from follow-up two years postoperatively without complications. However, 12 years after the initial surgery, the patient experienced pain at the lower end of the median sternotomy site, prompting her first visit to our outpatient clinic within a decade. Physical examination revealed palpable subcutaneous protrusion of the lowermost sternal wire with visible skin discoloration. Although no evidence indicated wire penetrating the skin, wire removal was deemed necessary. Comparison with previous lateral chest radiographs demonstrated a progressive increase in wire angulation over time. The patient was admitted and the protruding wire was removed under local anesthesia. Her postoperative course was uneventful, leading to discharge on the sixth day after the procedure.