title: Major complications of median sternotomy.
abstract: Major sternal infections developed in eleven of 1,550 patients undergoing median sternotomy for operations on the heart. Nine patients had myocardial revascularization, six with internal mammary artery as the conduit. Seven of these patients have been salvaged by aggressive local wound management and systemic support. These survivors have a good outlook for treatment of their basic cardiac disease.
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology