title: Hydrodissection in redo sternotomies.
abstract: Injection of pressurized normal saline into the retrosternal tissue has been used in redo sternotomies. This technique has been labeled as hydrodissection. It is a simple but effective technique to help minimize the trauma and risk of complications in redo sternotomies. My colleagues and I present a series of 6 consecutive patients in whom hydrodissection was performed. There was no injury to the heart or any vessel on reentry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD, Australia. rossmejia@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Rosauro
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mejia
authors.forename: Pankaj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saxena
authors.forename: Robert K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Tam
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000601:surgery*; D010496:Pericardium / Q000601:surgery; D011312:Pressure; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride