title: Sternal Closure With Tie Bands: A Word of Caution.
abstract: The median sternotomy for cardiac operations can be reapproximated in a variety of ways. Traditionally, sternal wires have been used in several configurations to afford satisfactory closure. Alternative techniques include cables, plates, and clip-like devices. A relatively recent addition to the menu of options is the plastic tie band. Although a few studies have suggested its efficacy, this favorable experience has not been universal. The purpose of this report is to describe a failure in closure and the reaction of the soft tissue around it.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: samuelsle@mlhs.org.
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Samuels
mesh_terms: D000789:Angina, Unstable / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D001864:Bone Wires; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D020878:Device Removal; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D018570:Risk Assessment; D056346:Sternotomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*