title: Direct-vision retrosternal dissection using the Kent retractor for sternal re-entry.
abstract: Repeat median sternotomy is still associated with high morbidity and mortality from catastrophic hemorrhage or myocardial injury. To overcome these problems, we devised a new technique of sternal re-entry using the Kent retractor set (Takasago Ika Kogyo, Tokyo, Japan), which increases the safety of retrosternal dissection and sternal redivision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1, W16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8543, Japan.
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuwaki
authors.forename: Masaru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tsukamoto
authors.forename: Kanshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Komatsu
authors.forename: Junichi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sakata
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Muraki
authors.forename: Tomio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Abe
mesh_terms: D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments