Sternal “Notching” Improves Clamshell Incision

Outcomes of single-stage total arch replacement via clamshell incision

BACKGROUND Treatment of complex aortic pathologies involving the transverse arch with extensive involvement of the descending aorta remains a surgical challenge. Since clamshell incision provides superior exposure of the entire thoracic aorta, we evaluated the use of this technique for single-stage total arch replacement by arch vessel reconstruction. METHODS The arch-first technique combined...

Rigid Sternal Fixation Improves Postoperative Recovery

INTRODUCTION During the past five years, ridged sternal fixation has been utilized for sternal closure after cardiac surgery. It is known that this procedure provides better sternal stability; however, its contribution to patient recovery has not been investigated. METHODS Retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent CABG and/or valve surgery in our institution between ...

Bilateral anterior sternothoracotomy (clamshell incision): a suitable alternative for bilateral lung sarcoma metastasis in children

BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to assess the postoperative course of bilateral anterior sternothoracotomy (BAT) in children with sarcoma metastases, in a curative care perspective. METHODS We reviewed the records of seven patients younger than 18 years old, who underwent surgical procedures for sarcoma metastasis to the lung between 2000 and 2012. We compared the postoperative course of ...

Combined repair of aortic arch aneurysm and coronary artery bypass grafting via a modified clamshell incision.

A 58 year-old man presented with a large aneurysm of the aortic arch and severe coronary artery disease. He underwent combined repair of the aortic arch aneurysm and coronary artery bypass grafting via a modified clamshell incision using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion. He made an uncomplicated postoperative recovery. The operative techniques are discussed ...

A new approach for sternotomy incision--a possibility for improved sternal wound healing.