An Alternative Reinforced Closure Technique with External Kirschner Wires in Sternal Dehiscence

Authors

  • Oguz Omay
  • Emre Ozker
  • Cenk Indelen
  • Kaya Suzer

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1532/HSF98.20061190

Abstract

Objective. We present an alternative closure technique that is effective in length stabilization of the dehisced sternum, technically easy, and less time consuming.

Methods. Between June 2000 and June 2003, 850 patients underwent open heart surgery in the participating clinics. In all of the patients, the sternotomies were primarily closed with No. 5 steel wires in a figure 8 manner or with single sutures. Eleven patients with sterile sternal dehiscence underwent operations with Kirschner wires.

Results. During the postoperative period, no complications related to the implants were observed in any of the patients in the early and late follow-ups.

Conclusion. With this technique, the fragile sternum is easily and effectively stabilized by reinforcing with suprasternal Kirschner wires without applying complicated manipulations.

References

Di Marco RF, Lee MW, Bekoe S, Grant KJ, Woelfel GF, Pellegrini RV. 1989. Interlocking figure of eight closure of the sternum. Ann Thorac Surg 47:927-9.nEdmunds LH. 1997. Sterile wound dehiscence. In: Edmunds LH, ed. Cardiac Surgery in the Adult. New York, NY; McGraw-Hill: 379.nKirklin JW, Barrat-Boyes BG. 2003. General considerations. Part 1. In: Kirklin JW, Barrat-Boyes BG, eds. Cardiac Surgery. Vol. 1. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA; Churchill Livingstone: 224.nRobicsek F, Daugherty HK, Cook JW. 1977. The prevention and treatment of sternum separation following open heart surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 73:267-8.nScovotti CA, Ponzone CA, Leyro-Diaz RM. 1991. Reinforced sternal closure. Ann Thorac Surg 51:844-5.nWatanabe G, Misaki T. 1996. A new technique of reinforced sternal closure. Cardiovasc Surg 4:639-40.n

Published

2007-03-27

How to Cite

Omay, O., Ozker, E., Indelen, C., & Suzer, K. (2007). An Alternative Reinforced Closure Technique with External Kirschner Wires in Sternal Dehiscence. The Heart Surgery Forum, 10(3), E193-E195. https://doi.org/10.1532/HSF98.20061190

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