title: Improved technique for closure of median sternotomy incision. Mersilene tapes versus standard wire closure.
abstract: A continuous series of 2,135 cardiac surgical procedures performed with a median sternotomy is reviewed. Standard closure with steel wire was used in 1,650 patients, and a new technique with Mersilene tape was used with 485. The rate of sternal dehiscence was 2.4% among those having wire closure, and there were no instances of dehiscence among the 485 patients with Mersilene tape closure (a statistically significant difference at p less than 0.005). The method was quick and easy to perform and highly effective in establishing firm and permanent approximation of the sternum. Presence of factors associated with increased risk of postoperative sternal dehiscence did not affect the outcome when Mersilene tape was used. We highly recommend this technique in all median sternotomy incisions.
authors.affiliation: Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pa.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sirivella
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Zikria
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Samadani
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques
chemical_list: D010795:Phthalic Acids; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; C025539:Lavsan; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols