Sternal Hardware Migration Following Rigid Plate Fixation After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft.
Hao Huang1, Craig R Smith2, Jeffrey A Ascherman1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.
Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports
|April 24, 2026
Summary
Rigid plate fixation for sternotomy closure is popular, but this case report highlights the rare risk of hardware migration. Early recognition and management by a multidisciplinary team are crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Rigid plate fixation is increasingly utilized for sternotomy closure.
- Surgeons report potential benefits including improved sternal healing and reduced complications.
- The SternaLock Blu system is one such rigid fixation device.


