Post-Surgical Outcomes After Sternal Closure Using Zipfix Band and Steel Wires

Abstract

Median sternotomy is the most commonly used and the standard way of an incision after cardiothoracic procedures. The use of stainless steel wire has been considered the gold standard in the sternal closure system; however, increasing postoperative complications have caused other options. The aim of this study is to understand the combined effect of the ZipFix bands with steel wires on postoperative outcomes after sternal closure. This is a real-world evidence study of patients treated using the ZipFix band and steel wires. The sternal closure is performed by fixing of manubrium with straight simple wires, followed with ZipFix 3 or 4 spaces. Demographic characters of patients using the ZipFix band and steel wire and their relation to sternal infections, wound dehiscence, and post-surgical outcomes are studied. From gathered evidence, 2% of patients' cases were complicated with the incidence of sternal infections. Ninety-nine percentage of patients had a stable and healthy wound while 1% of patients showed sternal wound dehiscence. The mean duration of hospital and intensive care unit stay was 8.53 (± 4.84) days and 3.58 (± 5.01) days respectively. The use of the sternal ZipFix system in combination with stainless steel wire is found to be effective in reducing post-surgical complications.