Sternal instability with mediastinitis is a very serious complication after median sternotomy. Sternal dehiscence repair together with debridement of the infected tissue is the mainstay of therapy where various modalities are employed. Here, we report the use of titanium plate for sternum stabilization in a patient with sternal dehiscence and superficial wound infection.

BACKGROUND To compare in a prospective randomized study Mersilene tape and standard metal wire for complications and pain upon sternal wound closure. METHODS Sixty-four patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were prospectively randomized to undergo sternal closure using either Mersilene tape (n=30) or standard metal wire (n=34). The intensity of postoperative pain from the chest wound was ass...

BACKGROUND Coagulase-negative staphylococci cause 33% to 62.5% of wound infections after cardiac operations. The aim of this study was to investigate the sources of coagulase-negative staphylococci in the sternal wound. METHODS Twenty operations performed in zonal ventilated operating rooms were investigated prospectively. Cultures were taken from all persons present in the room, the sternal ...

Objective: This retrospective chart review study aimed to evaluate whether a more aggressive staged approach can reduce morbility and mortality following post-cardiotomy deep sternal wound infection. Methods: Between 1979 and 2000, 14 620 patients underwent open heart surgery: mediastinitis developed in 124 patients (0.85%). Patients were divided in two groups: in 62 patients (Group A) (1979±19...

Hypersensitivity to stainless steel sternal sutures are an uncommon occurrence. We present a case of such a patient who developed chronic tissue overgranulation over a sternotomy wound eight weeks post-operatively. Primary suspicion was infection, a more common complication however radiological and laboratory investigation showed otherwise. Conservative management provided limited ephemeral suc...