Spontaneous right ventricular rupture after sternal dehiscence: a preventable complication?

Mediastinitis and/or sternal dehiscence developed in 143 out of 10,263 patients (1.4%) who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1979-December 1993. Mediastinal drainage, sternal debridement and early wound closure with pectoralis major and/or rectus abdominalis muscle flaps was the treatment employed. Between these two stages of treatment, massive hemorrhage developed in seven patients (0.07%) from a tear of the anterior wall of the right ventricle (RV). Six patients survived. Temporary control of the bleeding was achieved with digital or full palm pressure control of the ventricular tear. This was followed by immediate repair in the operating room (OR). The only death was due to exsanguination in the intensive care unit. The other six patients were taken to the OR. The anterior RV was freed from the underside of the sternum and the RV tear repaired with or without the aid of femoral-femoral bypass. These six then had muscle flap wound closures at that time or shortly after. All six were hospital survivors and are currently alive. We believe that RV rupture results from the sternal edges pulling the anterior surface of the RV apart, since the RV is stuck to the underside of the sternum. This experience indicates that the RV must be freed in all cases during initial sternal debridement. Hopefully this simple maneuver will prevent this horrendous complication.