title: A new classification of post-sternotomy dehiscence.
abstract: The dehiscence after median transesternal sternotomy used as surgical access for cardiac surgery is one of its complications and it increases the patient's morbidity and mortality. A variety of surgical techniques were recently described resulting to the need of a classification bringing a measure of objectivity to the management of these complex and dangerous wounds. The different related classifications are based in the primary causal infection, but recently the anatomical description of the wound including the deepness and the vertical extension showed to be more useful. We propose a new classification based only on the anatomical changes following sternotomy dehiscence and chronic wound formation separating it in four types according to the deepness and in two sub-groups according to the vertical extension based on the inferior insertion of the pectoralis major muscle.
authors: Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Jaime
authors: J
authors: Anger
authors: Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Daniel Chagas
authors: DC
authors: Dantas
authors: Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Renato Tambellini
authors: RT
authors: Arnoni
authors: Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Pedro Sílvio
authors: PS
authors: Farsky
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D056346:Sternotomy / Q000379:methods*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000145:classification* / Q000601:surgery