Sternal Closure Reinforced with Rib Heads: A Novel Technique for Prevention and Treatment of Sternal Dehiscence

Abstract

Early and aggressive debridement of infected and necrotic tissue, irrigation, and antibiotics are necessary for successful treatment, but we believe that the most important factor is full stabilization of the sternal tissue with minimal use of foreign stabilization material. Despite the limited number of cases, we suggest that our stabilization technique seems to be successful in achieving full stabilization even in infected and fragile sternal bony tissue in patients with sternal dehiscence and/or inappropriate sternotomy.

Figure-of-Eight Wire Sternal Closure Technique Can Reduce Post-Open Cardiovascular Surgery Chest Re-Exploration and Pain Scores in Diabetic Patients with Severe Obesity (Body Mass Index: 35-40)

“…Ramzisham et al suggested that figure-of-eight sternal closure is equally effective as simple wire suturing in preventing adverse outcomes of sternal dehiscence. 10 Vular et al showed that sternal closure reinforced with rib heads technique is extremely efficient and twenty-two patients from twentythree ones whom were treated with this technique survived 11 while our study showed that figure-eight and simple technique are more related to the risk of morbidity and mortality. 11 Not accessing of association between bone healing and pain scores or complications, and not analyzing of the effect of pain severity on the activity or quality of life were limitations of our study.…”

“…10 Vular et al showed that sternal closure reinforced with rib heads technique is extremely efficient and twenty-two patients from twentythree ones whom were treated with this technique survived 11 while our study showed that figure-eight and simple technique are more related to the risk of morbidity and mortality. 11 Not accessing of association between bone healing and pain scores or complications, and not analyzing of the effect of pain severity on the activity or quality of life were limitations of our study. Finally, we concluded that figure-of-eight can reduce postoperative pain scores and chest re-exploration significantly in diabetic patients with severe obesity (BMI: 35-40) undergoing off-pump CABG surgery.…”