Description of a reusable device for the temporary stenting of the open sternum.
BACKGROUND
Myocardial oedema, non-surgical bleeding and the use of mechanical assist devices following major heart surgery sometimes prevent primary closure of the sternum.


METHODS
We describe a reusable sterile device for temporarily stenting the open sternum for safety.


RESULTS
The sternal stent was used in 32 patients for a mean time of 2 days. We observed no mediastinitis and no wound-healing disorders. A secondary closure of the sternum was performed in 28 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
We present a device for sternal stenting that is reusable, easy to apply and allows a good handling of the critically ill patient due to its extreme stability.
Kusber
H
H
Klinik für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefässchirurgie des Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH, Germany. Kusber@t-online.de
Chares
M
M
Polonius
M-J
MJ
D006801:Humans; D015607:Stents; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome