PURPOSE: To compare standard sternal closure techniques with reinforcement longitudinal wire placement in the corpus sterni in high-risk patients undergoing open-heart surgery via median sternotomy. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 71 high-risk patients, 32 (45%) of whom underwent sternal closure by conventional methods (group 1) and 39 (55%) of whom underwentsternal closure with corpus sterni reinforcement. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 90 days. RESULTS: In group 2, none of the patients had sternal dehiscence and no revision was required, but in group 1, five (15.5%) patients had sternal dehiscence. This difference was significant between the groups (P = 0.024), but there were no significant differences in mediastinitis and mortality (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that primary sternal closure with longitudinal wire reinforcement on both sides of the corpus sterni will decrease the risk of infection and improve wound-healing in parallel with a decrease in sternal dehiscence.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: To compare standard sternal closure techniques with reinforcement longitudinal wire placement in the corpus sterni in high-risk patients undergoing open-heart surgery via median sternotomy. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 71 high-risk patients, 32 (45%) of whom underwent sternal closure by conventional methods (group 1) and 39 (55%) of whom underwent sternal closure with corpus sterni reinforcement. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 90 days. RESULTS: In group 2, none of the patients had sternal dehiscence and no revision was required, but in group 1, five (15.5%) patients had sternal dehiscence. This difference was significant between the groups (P = 0.024), but there were no significant differences in mediastinitis and mortality (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that primary sternal closure with longitudinal wire reinforcement on both sides of the corpus sterni will decrease the risk of infection and improve wound-healing in parallel with a decrease in sternal dehiscence.
Authors: A El Gamel; N A Yonan; R Hassan; M T Jones; C S Campbell; A K Deiraniya; R A Lawson Journal: Ann Thorac Surg Date: 1998-01 Impact factor: 4.330
Authors: J F Gummert; M J Barten; C Hans; M Kluge; N Doll; T Walther; B Hentschel; D V Schmitt; F W Mohr; A Diegeler Journal: Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Date: 2002-04 Impact factor: 1.827