title: Interlocking figure-of-8 closure of the sternum.
abstract: Sternal dehiscence and mediastinitis are two of the most severe complications of a median sternotomy. A technique of closure is described that appears to provide a more stable sternal approximation without any increase in overall complication rate. Using this technique in 978 consecutive patients, no cases of sternal dehiscence or mediastinitis have been seen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-5166.
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Di Marco
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bekoe
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Woelfel
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Pellegrini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques