title: Simplified closure of ministernotomy using thermoreactive sternal clips.
abstract: An increasing number of aortic valve replacements are performed through a ministernotomy. Due to the small incision and partial fixation of the caudal sternum, the traditional wire closure can be complicated and even harmful to the surrounding tissue. In such cases, we recommend the use of nitinol clips for sternal closure. This technique, which we have used in 48 patients, is simple, safe, and fast, and results in excellent outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. mgrapow@uhbs.ch
authors.forename: Martin T R
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Grapow
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rüter
authors.forename: Ludovic
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Melly
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.forename: Friedrich S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Eckstein
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matt
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D004867:Equipment Design; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D056346:Sternotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013696:Temperature; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; C013616:nitinol