title: Intravascular migration of fractured sternal wire presenting with hemoptysis.
abstract: We present a rare complication of median sternotomy in which a segment of fractured sternal wire punctured the heart, embolized to the right lung, and eroded into a bronchus causing massive hemoptysis. It was safely removed through a median sternotomy. Sternal wire fracture or migration is diagnosed easily on chest roentgenograms, but frequently goes unnoticed. Sternal wire failure can be managed nonoperatively; however, repair is indicated if fractured wires are displaced or potentially migratory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita 67214, USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Schreffler
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Rumisek
mesh_terms: D001864:Bone Wires; D001980:Bronchi / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D013249:Sternum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*