title: [Poly-lactic-acid (PLA) sternal pins for the closure of median sternotomy--report of a case].
abstract: Poly-lactic-acid (PLA) sternal pins were used for the closure of median sternotomy in a case of bilateral pneumothorax. After placement 7 sutures of polyester and 2 wires, PLA sternal pins were inserted into the bone marrow of the sternum. The wires were then twisted and tightened, and all sutures were tightened, and the wires were removed. No significant postoperative complications, i.e., osteomyelitis and mediastinitis, sternal dehiscence, or bone marrow dysfunction, were observed. In addition, the PLA sternal pins were absorbed. In the closure of median sternotomy, PLA sternal pins provide stable sternal adhesion, which is essential to the prevention of sternal dehiscence and other complications. Moreover, with the use of PLA sternal pins, the retention of steel wires in the body is unnecessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tenri Hospital, Japan.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kitano
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tatsumi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nagasawa
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shimizu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000601:surgery; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D007773:Lactates; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)