title: Mersilene ribbon closure of the median sternotomy: an improvement over wire closure.
abstract: With the increased utilization of median sternotomy in thoracic surgery, some difficulties have arisen with closure of the sternum. This article presents a simple, easy-to-perform method of sternal closure utilizing reinforcement of the sternal halves with a material that is less likely to cut through the sternum and that is readily available.
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects