Journal of Clinical and Experimental Investigations

Abstract

Objective: Impaired sternal wound healing remains problematic after median sternotomy and can cause to significant morbidity after cardiac surgical procedures. Although some reconstruction systems exist for sternal closure, their use is limited by expense and practicality, and simple wire closure remains the most common technique to close the sternum. In this study, we aim to discuss the results of 6 cases that underwent surgery for sternal dehiscence(SD).
Methods: We reviewed six patients with sternal dehiscence who underwent surgery in our department between April 2013 and May 2014. We have used a novel closure technique in six patients with sternal dehiscence and evaluated early-term results of sternal clips plus rewiring following failed sternal closure.
Results: The mean age was 63 (range, 55 to 79 years). All patients were male. We have used a novel closure technique with sternal clips plus rewiring in all patients. We evaluated six patients with non-infectious SD. Sternal reconstruction using rigid fixation with clips improve bone healing and reduce early postoperative pain. All cases were discharged with successful treatment.
Conclusions: We believe that this method of sternal closure guarantees better clinical outcomes rather than sternal wire closure. Additionally, SCD(sternal closure device) clips proved to be cost effective in cardiac surgery.