title: Median sternotomy closure: a simple inexpensive effective technique.
abstract: A technique of median sternotomy closure that improves the usual rates of sternal infection, dehiscence, and re-exploration for hemorrhage is presented. This closure adds minimal time and expense to the case and diminishes the amount of blood loss and transfusion in the postoperative period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pasadena Bayshore Hospital, Pasadena, Texas, USA. hrandecker@earthlink.net
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Randecker
mesh_terms: D001864:Bone Wires; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*