Sternal marrow haemostasis is often obtained with the application of bone wax, with potential side effects pertaining to sternal wound healing. We illustrate an alternative technique which also offers some protection to sternal edges. Two lengths of tubing from the discarded cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit are cut longitudinally on one side. After sternotomy they are placed across each sternal edge and kept in position by two stitches and the spreader blades. They are removed just before sternal closure.

There was a constant increase in the blood gas concentration compared with the basal pre-procedure values. Sealed systems were associated with a significantly higher CO(2) concentration at the end of the procedure compared with the open ones.

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Cardiopulmonary bypass line sternal wrapping (SW) is a new approach to sternal care which avoids bone wax and offers mechanical protection and a shield from bacterial contamination, with beneficial effects on sternal healing. Since its introduction in February 2008, the technique has undergone some developments: it is possible to harvest internal thoracic arteries with SW in place and its haemostatic properties have improved.