BACKGROUND: Sternal dehiscence is a severe complication of open heart surgery. Reinforced wiring, a system of reinforced sternal closure, fixation of a rigid plate, and implantation of thermoreactive nitinol clips (TRC) are some surgical procedures used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TRC for secondary sternal reconstruction. METHODS: Of 1198 patients who underwent their operations via median sternotomy in 2 separate medical centers, sternal dehiscence was observed in 16 patients overall (1.33%). The mean (SD) age of the patients was 64.06 ± 9.18 years (range, 40-77 years). Sternal dehiscence was diagnosed in all patients between the fifth and 30th postoperative days. RESULTS: TRC were implanted in all of the patients who developed sternal dehiscence (16 patients). One patient developed severe respiratory failure, became ventilator dependent, and died from pneumonia on postoperative day 24. The other 15 patients were discharged without complications. Postoperative follow-up of the surviving patients revealed adequate and satisfactory sternal stability. CONCLUSION: Implantation of TRC is an effective and easy method for fixing the sternum and can be performed rapidly and securely.
BACKGROUND: Sternal dehiscence is a severe complication of open heart surgery. Reinforced wiring, a system of reinforced sternal closure, fixation of a rigid plate, and implantation of thermoreactive nitinol clips (TRC) are some surgical procedures used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TRC for secondary sternal reconstruction. METHODS: Of 1198 patients who underwent their operations via median sternotomy in 2 separate medical centers, sternal dehiscence was observed in 16 patients overall (1.33%). The mean (SD) age of the patients was 64.06 ± 9.18 years (range, 40-77 years). Sternal dehiscence was diagnosed in all patients between the fifth and 30th postoperative days. RESULTS: TRC were implanted in all of the patients who developed sternal dehiscence (16 patients). One patient developed severe respiratory failure, became ventilator dependent, and died from pneumonia on postoperative day 24. The other 15 patients were discharged without complications. Postoperative follow-up of the surviving patients revealed adequate and satisfactory sternal stability. CONCLUSION: Implantation of TRC is an effective and easy method for fixing the sternum and can be performed rapidly and securely.