title: Sternal stabilization by interlocking wires: an alternative simple technique for high-risk patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sternal dehiscence following midline sternotomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A novel simple technique of sternal stabilization after midline sternotomy by interlocking wires was introduced in high-risk patients with morbid obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting, or various combinations of the above.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A sternal stabilization by interlocking wires was performed in 25 consecutive high-risk patients. Stable sternum was achieved in all patients despite multiple risk factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We describe a simple technique of interlocking wires that provides excellent stabilization of the sternum after midline stenotomy in high-risk patients. This technique utilizes the benefit of figure-eight wires, provides the continuity of the weave and effectively prevents cutting of the wires through the sternum without compromising its blood supply.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. konstantinov.igor@alumni.mayo.edu
authors.forename: Igor E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Konstantinov
authors.forename: Pankaj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Saxena
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D056346:Sternotomy / Q000379:methods*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000517:prevention & control