Corpus sterni reinforcement improves the stability of primary sternal closure in high-risk patients.
OBJECTIVE
To compare standard sternal closure techniques with reinforcement longitudinal wire placement in the corpus sterni in high-risk patients undergoing open-heart surgery via median sternotomy.


METHODS
The subjects of this study were 71 high-risk patients, 32 (45%) of whom underwent sternal closure by conventional methods (group 1) and 39 (55%) of whom underwent sternal closure with corpus sterni reinforcement. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 90 days.


RESULTS
In group 2, none of the patients had sternal dehiscence and no revision was required, but in group 1, five (15.5%) patients had sternal dehiscence. This difference was significant between the groups (P = 0.024), but there were no significant differences in mediastinitis and mortality (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that primary sternal closure with longitudinal wire reinforcement on both sides of the corpus sterni will decrease the risk of infection and improve wound-healing in parallel with a decrease in sternal dehiscence.
Iriz
Erkan
E
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi AD, Beşevler 06500, Ankara, Turkey.
Erer
Dilek
D
Koksal
Pinar
P
Ozdogan
Mehmet Emin
ME
Halit
Velit
V
Sinci
Volkan
V
Gokgoz
Levent
L
Yener
Ali
A
D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*