Pericostal sutures to reinforce sternal closure after cardiac surgery
1Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
Background And Aim Of The Study:
An increasing number of elderly and medically complex patients are undergoing cardiac surgery and are at increased risk for sternal dehiscence. A technique of sternal closure reinforcement with pericostal wires is described, and results are reviewed.
Methods:
After placement of the standard peristernal wires, one or two sets of pericostal wires were placed around ribs in the mid-portion of the sternotomy to reinforce the closure. A retrospective study over a 6-year period was carried out to determine the incidence of sternal dehiscence and any associated complications. Pericostal wires were used in well over 50% of cases.
Results:
The incidence of sternal dehiscence was 4 out of 1048 operations (0.38%). No adverse effects of the pericostal wires were identified.
Conclusions:
Frequent use of pericostal wires is associated with a low incidence of sternal dehiscence.
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