Interlocking figure-of-8 closure of the sternum.
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.
Di Marco
R F
RF
Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-5166.
Lee
M W
MW
Bekoe
S
S
Grant
K J
KJ
Woelfel
G F
GF
Pellegrini
R V
RV
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