Treatment of Sternocutaneous Fistula Due to Cardiac Surgery Using Extracellular Matrix Patch

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Wound Healing
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Sternal wound complications, including dehiscences, infections, and fistulas, affect up to 10% of patients.
• Sternocutaneous fistulas are a rare but serious complication requiring surgical intervention.

Observation:

• Traditional surgical repair methods exist for sternocutaneous fistulas.
• Extracellular matrix patches represent a potential adjunctive therapy.

Findings:

• This study details three cases of successful surgical reconstruction of sternocutaneous fistulas.
• An extracellular matrix patch (ProxiCor®) was utilized in conjunction with traditional surgical techniques.

Implications:

• Combining extracellular matrix patches with traditional surgery may enhance outcomes for sternocutaneous fistula repair.
• This approach could represent a significant advancement in managing complex sternal wound complications.