Fatigue testing median sternotomy closures.

OBJECTIVE: Sternal dehiscence is commonly due to wire cutting through bone. With a biological model, we measured the rate of cutting through bone, of standard steel wire closure, peristernal steel wire, figure-of-eight closure, polyester and sternal bands sternotomy closure techniques. METHODS: Polyester, figure-of-eight, peristernal and sternal band closures were tested against standard closure eight times using adjacent paired samples, to eliminate biological variables. Fatigue testing was performed by a computerized materials-testing machine, cycling between loads of 1 and 10 kg. The displacements at maximum and minimum loads were measured during each cycle. Cutting through, manifested by the displacement at the maximum load between the 1st and 150th cycles was measured. The percentage cut-through of each closure method versus standard closure was calculated. Results: The differences in the displacement between each of the polyester (1.01 mm), figure-of-eight (0.52 mm), peristernal (0.72 mm) and sternal band (0.66 mm) groups versus standard closure (0.22, 0.22, 2.1, 3.2 mm) in the paired samples were statistically significant (Student's paired t-test; P<0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the percentage cut-through of polyester, figure-of-eight, peristernal and sternal bands (ANOVA, P<0.001), versus standard closure. CONCLUSIONS: In our sheep sternum model, we have quantified the differing rate of cutting through bone of five types of median sternotomy closure techniques. We have controlled for bone variables by testing each closure versus standard closure using paired adjacent bone samples. Peristernal and sternal band closure techniques are significantly superior to standard closure. The use of polyester and figure-of-eight closures requires caution.     

A Simple Maneuver on Sternal Saw Facilitates to Perform Curved Sternal Mini-incisions like J- and C-Shaped Partial Sternotomies

Abstract   Minimal invasive approaches, including partial J- or C-shaped sternotomies, have gained a worldwide acceptance in cardiac surgical practice. To increase the cosmetic benefit and improve the surgical exposure, the length of underlying partial sternotomy is usually 3 to 5 cm longer than the length of skin incision in most of these approaches. Using a standard sternal saw or a rotary craniotome, it is quite difficult to make sternal incision under subcutaneous tissue at both ends of skin incision. Moreover, standard sternal saws do not allow doing fine manipulations on sternum that may cause inadvertent sternal cutting, especially at the curved parts of C- or J-type partial sternotomies. We removed the blade protector part of a standard sternal saw. This simple maneuver enables surgeons to perform several challenging mini-sternotomies easily for adult cardiac procedures.     

A simple sternal turnover procedure using a vascular pedicle for a funnel chest

We have improved the sternal turnover surgical procedure by using a vascular pedicle for a funnel chest. Rather than performing a simple sternal turnover, we thought it better to use the sternum with the vascular pedicle attached, anticipating that this would lead to fewer postoperative complications and a more desirable result. The following method for performing the operation was devised: (1) cutting the deformed sternum at the second intercostal position; (2) cutting the second costal cartilages to allow a repositioning of the vascular pedicle onto the presternal surface; (3) turning the sternum over, placing one end on the other, and attaching one end to the other; and (4) making a groove in the turned-over sternum to prevent the decussated vascular pedicle from becoming constricted. By using this method, it is easily possible to keep the bilateral internal thoracic vessels intact. We used this surgical technique on a 17-year-old boy and obtained very favorable results.     

A biomechanical comparison of three sternotomy closure techniques

BACKGROUND: A biomechanical study of three sternotomy closure techniques (figure-of-eight stainless-steel wires, Pectofix Dynamic Sternal Fixation [DSF] stainless-steel plates, and figure-of-eight stainless-steel cables) was conducted to compare strength and stiffness variables in three clinically relevant loading modes (anterior-posterior shear, longitudinal shear, and lateral distraction). METHODS: All tests were conducted on polyurethane foam sternal models that simulate the properties of cancellous bone. Each model was divided longitudinally and reconstructed using one of the sternotomy closure repair techniques. Tests were performed using a materials testing system that applies a continuously increasing amount of force in one direction to the model until it catastrophically breaks. A total of six trials of each fixation type in each of three test groups were prepared and tested, for a total of 54 tests. Strength and stiffness variables as well as a post-yield analysis of failure were evaluated. RESULTS: Sternums repaired using the DSF plate system are a more rigid construct than sternums repaired using the stainless-steel wires or cables in the distraction and transverse shear modes and they are not significantly different from sternums repaired with wires or cables in the longitudinal shear mode. The DSF plate system offers a 25% improvement in resistance to failure (yield) compared to wires when a transverse shear force is applied to the model. The cable system had a higher resistance to failure than the wires in all modes although the differences were not statistically significant. Additionally, the DSF plate system provides substantial reduction of the implant's cutting into the sternal model under loading as evidenced by the post-yield displacement when compared with either cables or wires for the distraction and longitudinal shear modes. For the transverse shear mode, the cables or wires would completely fail at the load for which cutting begins for the DSF. CONCLUSIONS: Both the DSF plate system and the stainless-steel cable system offer important advantages over figure-of-eight wire for sternal closure.     

Ten-year experience with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure

BACKGROUND: We were interested in reviewing our experience with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure to evaluate its overall morbidity and its impact on patient management. METHODS: We reviewed our experience with 1,039 patients undergoing median sternotomy with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure over the past 10 years. Major wound complications, which were categorized into two groups, required in-hospital management and operative intervention. Group 1 had a sternal dehiscence alone. Group II had a major sternal infection or mediastinitis. RESULTS: The incidence of wound morbidity was 2.4% (n = 25). There were 6 (0.58%) sternal dehiscences (Group I) and 19 (1.8%) sternal wound infections (Group II). Patients taken to the operating room for repair of their sternal dehiscence or sternal infection were noted to have two completely intact sternal halves. CONCLUSIONS: While wound related morbidity with Mersilene tape closure is equivalent to the historical results of conventional wire closure, dehiscence occurs in a more controlled fashion with less bony destruction. The reduction in tissue damage associated with sternal wound dehiscence and sternal infection after Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure makes treatment of these potentially devastating complications easier and more efficient.     

Sternal Stabilization by Interlocking Wires: An Alternative Simple Technique for High-Risk Patients

Abstract   Background: Sternal dehiscence following midline sternotomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients. Methods: A novel simple technique of sternal stabilization after midline sternotomy by interlocking wires was introduced in high-risk patients with morbid obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting, or various combinations of the above. Results: A sternal stabilization by interlocking wires was performed in 25 consecutive high-risk patients. Stable sternum was achieved in all patients despite multiple risk factors. Conclusion: We describe a simple technique of interlocking wires that provides excellent stabilization of the sternum after midline stenotomy in high-risk patients. This technique utilizes the benefit of figure-eight wires, provides the continuity of the weave and effectively prevents cutting of the wires through the sternum without compromising its blood supply.     

Clinical studies of bioabsorbable poly-L-lactide sternal coaptation pins.

BACKGROUND: Median sternotomy has become the most commonly used incision in cardiac surgery. Since sternal dehiscence, however, is a major complication, we used bioabsorbable poly-L-lactide (P-L-LA) sternal coaptation pins for sternal closure to prevent it. METHODS: From February 1998 to October 1999, 99 patients (64 men, 35 women; mean age, 63+/-1.2 years) underwent median sternotomy for cardiac surgery using sternal coaptation pins. Nineteen patients had diabetes mellitus and seven had renal failure. In closure, two sternal pins were inserted into the bone marrow of the sternum, one into the manubrium, the other into the body, and the sternum was sutured with five stainless steel wires. RESULTS: Five patients died in the hospital. The causes of death were cardiac failure in two patients, respiratory problem in two and perforation of the stomach in one. The average length of hospitalization was 2 4.5+/-2.5 days. Sternal dehiscence occurred in one patient and mediastinitis in four. There was no bleeding from the bone marrow and no complication related to the use of the sternal pins. CONCLUSIONS: P-L-LA sternal pins were easy to insert and may be effective in preventing dehiscence of the sternum.     

Poly-lactic-acid (PLA) sternal pins for the closure of median sternotomy--report of a case]

Poly-lactic-acid (PLA) sternal pins were used for the closure of median sternotomy in a case of bilateral pneumothorax. After placement 7 sutures of polyester and 2 wires, PLA sternal pins were inserted into the bone marrow of the sternum. The wires were then twisted and tightened, and all sutures were tightened, and the wires were removed. No significant postoperative complications, i.e., osteomyelitis and mediastinitis, sternal dehiscence, or bone marrow dysfunction, were observed. In addition, the PLA sternal pins were absorbed. In the closure of median sternotomy, PLA sternal pins provide stable sternal adhesion, which is essential to the prevention of sternal dehiscence and other complications. Moreover, with the use of PLA sternal pins, the retention of steel wires in the body is unnecessary.     

Multiple graft injury due to migrated nonbroken sternal wires 2 years after cardiac surgery

The migration of sternal wires into vital structures is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication and associated with infection in some cases. While a few cases have been reported the sternal wires were broken in those cases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of multiple, nonbroken, migrated sternal wires stabbing vascular grafts.     

A modified parasternal wire technique for prevention and treatment of sternal dehiscence

Background

Sternal dehiscence with or without mediastinitis is a devastating complication of median sternotomy. Various techniques of sternotomy closure including ‘figure of eight’ wire sutures, nylon bands, and custom-made titanium-H plates have been described. We have devised and tested a new method of sternal closure to prevent sternal wound complications in patients at high risk of sternal dehiscence.

Methods

1336 patients underwent sternotomy for various cardiac operations from January 1996 to January 2002. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 560 patients who did not have any high risk factors for sternal dehiscence and received a standard six wire closure. Group II comprised of patients at high risk of sternal dehiscence and were divided randomly into subgroup II A (n = 390), which included patients who had conventional sternal closure. While in subgroup II B (n = 386) patients had a modified parasternal wire closure according to the finalized protocol.

Results

Sternal instability was noticed in 1/560 and none had sternal dehiscence in group I, but 16/390 patients had sternal instability and 3/390 had sternal dehiscence in subgroup II A, whereas only one patient in high risk subgroup II B developed sternal dehiscence with mediastinitis and required a pectoral flap advancement for sternal closure.

Conclusions

Use of modified parasternal wire closure in patients with a high risk of sternal dehiscence is a safe, effective, technically easily reproducible, as well as economical, method of preventing and treating sternal dehiscence.     

Early postoperative sternal approximation after ITA harvesting: computed tomographic evaluation

Between November 1989 and February 1990, 66 randomized sternotomized patients underwent aortocoronary bypass and were subjected to a sternal scanner in the early postoperative period. Each examination included a manubrial and a sternal body print. At each level, we studied the occurrence of spacing or misalignment of the sternal layers. The 66 patients were subdivided into four groups according to the type of conduit harvested (single left internal thoracic artery or saphenous vein) and the type of material used for the sternal closure (steel wires or nylon yarns). In all cases, adequate early sternal approximation, which is represented by a good alignment as well as by an excellent contact of the sternal layers, was infrequently demonstrated. Moreover, the two abnormalities most often observed were manubrial spacing and sternal body misalignment. The sternal closure technique and internal thoracic artery harvesting had no significant effect on the sternal approximation. To minimize manubrial spacing and sternal body misalignment, we propose that the surgeon should apply three threads through the manubrium, withdraw the shoulder roll beforehand, elevate both of the patient's shoulders, and maintain the two xyphoid layers in the same plane and in fairly close contact during the tightening of the wires.     

Biomechanical study of a poly-L-lactide (PLLA) sternal pin in sternal closure after cardiothoracic surgery

BACKGROUND: Stainless steel wiring is currently the standard method of median sternotomy closure but it has been reported that sufficient stiffness is not obtained by the method in anterior-posterior and cranial-caudal directions. A bioabsorbable Poly-L-Lactide (PLLA) sternal pin has been developed as an additive material for sternal closure. We biomechanically examined the effectiveness of a PLLA sternal pin in the two directions by using the sternum of a juvenile pig. METHODS: Juvenile pigs 14-17 kg weight were used. After the sternum was extirpated it was cut into two pieces at the midline. In a wire fixation group the pieces were fixed by two stainless wires. In a wire and intrasternal fixation group a hole was drilled into the bone marrow and a PLLA sternal pin for an infant was set into the hole. Then the both sides of the wired sternum were fixed tightly at the testing machine and the shear stress was forced into the one side. The shear stress was forced in anterior-posterior and cranial-caudal directions. RESULTS: In an anterior-posterior direction, the stiffness was 13.84 +/- 1.84 (N/mm) in a wire and intrasternal fixation group and 7.00 +/- 2.71 (N/mm) in a wire fixation group (p = 0.0002). In a cranial-caudal direction it was 10.61 +/- 4.88 (N/mm) and 4.38 +/- 2.12 (N/mm), respectively (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a PLLA sternal pin as an additive material to steel wiring was effective in preventing the displacement of the sternum in both directions. Our data showed that closure technique using a sternal pin would provide adequate fixation.     

Deep sternal wound infection after open heart surgery: current treatment insights. A retrospective study of 36 cases

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the results of reconstructing infected post-sternotomy wounds, with either sternal plating and/or pectoralis major flap transposition or pedicled omentoplasty after previous vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy. Between January 2005 and December 2010, 36 patients, suffering from deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after coronary artery bypass grafting procedure, received (plastic) reconstructive surgery. All patients, treated in the Maastricht University Medical Centre (Departments of Plastic Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery), were selected for this study. For 22 patients, sternal refixation and reconstruction were obtained by sternal internal plate fixation combined with bilateral pectoralis major advancement flap. In 11 patients, a pedicled omentoplasty was performed, with or without split-skin graft and additional VAC therapy. Three patients only received a pectoralis plasty. We evaluated preoperative characteristics and post-operative course. Twenty-four patients (66.7%) had an uneventful post-operative course. Complications in the other patients included wound dehiscence, herniation of the donor site and infection of sternal plating material. Average sternal wound healing after sternal plating plus pectoralis plasty, pectoralis plasty and omentoplasty respectively accounted 7.7, 8.0 and 11.6 weeks. From our experience, we recommend VAC therapy plus delayed sternal plating and additional bilateral pectoralis major flap advancement as first repair option in case of DSWI. However, individual clinical conditions need to be taken into account when making a decision between the different available reconstructive options. Omentoplasty should be reserved for cases in which the sternum has recurrently fallen open after previous sternal plate refixation, or for cases in which the sternum defect is too extended.     

A portable manual sternal compressor for cardiac massage of a patient under transportation--1. Evolution after trials and errors

Difficulties of external cardiac massage during transportation of a patient on a litter or stretcher prompted us to develop a new portable manual sternal compressor. A seemingly good idea of sternal compression with an inflatable balloon placed between the sternum and a chest band engaged us in a long ordeal of trial and error until we retreated from this preconception. A practical sternal compressor has finally been created by applying two hydraulic pistons, one as a sternal compressor and the other as its push-pull energizer incorporated into a manual lever system. In this paper, one of the serial reports on this new device, all our errors are described lest some one in the future meet the same problems. Details of this new apparatus and the results of our experimental study and clinical application will soon follow this paper.     

延迟关胸在儿童心脏移植中的应用

目的探讨延迟关胸技术在儿童心脏移植中的应用价值。 方法回顾性分析华中科技大学同济医学院附属协和医院2018年1月1日至2021年8月31日73例儿童心脏移植受者临床资料,根据术后一期胸骨闭合情况分为延迟关胸组(10例)和非延迟关胸组(63例),分析延迟关胸对于受者心功能恢复、手术切口感染、肺部感染、术后30 d和住院期间死亡情况的影响。 结果延迟关胸组原发病以复杂先天性心脏病心力衰竭为主,非延迟关胸组以心肌病心力衰竭为主。延迟关胸组延迟关胸时间中位数4 d,采用一次或分次关胸技术均成功关胸。延迟关胸组平均年龄(6.4±5.3)岁,平均体质量(16.3±11.4)Kg,均小于非延迟关胸组[(9.7±4.7)岁和(29.5±15.6)Kg];供受者体质量比为(3.1±1.4),高于非延迟关胸组[(1.9±0.7)],差异均有统计学意义(t＝2.0、3.2和-4.5,P均<0.05)。延迟关胸组术前和术后使用VA-ECMO辅助、术后肾脏替代治疗的受者比例以及发生肺部感染和住院期间死亡的受者比例均高于非延迟关胸组,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。延迟关胸组受者术后2周右室面积变化分数为(37.0±5.8)%,低于非延迟关胸组[(43.1±7.8)%],差异有统计学意义(t＝2.4,P<0.05)。2组受者性别、术前血清总胆红素和肌酐、术后2周左室射血分数、手术切口感染及术后30 d内死亡发生率差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。 结论延迟关胸是儿童心脏移植供受者体质量不匹配时一种安全且有效的治疗策略。     

Treatment of deep sternal wound infections post-open heart surgery by application of activated macrophage suspension

Postoperative sternal wound infection remains a significant complication and generally causes considerable morbidity and mortality. Macrophages play a major role in the process of wound healing. In order to evaluate the efficacy of local injection of activated macrophage suspensions into open infected sternal wound space, a retrospective case-control study was conducted. Sixty-six patients with deep sternal wound infection treated by activated macrophages (group 1) and 64 patients with deep sternal wound infection treated by sternal reconstruction surgery with various regional flaps (group 2), were matched for gender, age, and risk index. In up to 54 months of follow-up of group 1, 60 patients (91%) achieved complete wound closure. Two (3%) late deaths occurred unrelated to the procedure. Mortality rate in group 2 was 29.7% (19/64). Duration of hospitalization was 22.6 days in group 1 vs. 56.2 days in group 2. Patients with deep sternal wound infection following open heart surgery that were treated by activated macrophages had significantly less mortality as well as significant reduction of hospitalization in comparison to the surgically treated group. These results illustrate the advantages of using a biologically based activated macrophage treatment.     

A novel figure A-shape sternal retractor for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

A novel figure A-shape sternal retractor was developed to avoid brachial plexus injury caused by sternal wide separation, and facilitate exposure of circumflex artery by elevating a rake and dropping the heart into the right pleural cavity during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. In addition, it has several notches to hold deep pericardial stitches in order to enhance the exposure.     

Hyaluronate-iodine complex: a new adjunct for the management of complex sternal wounds after a cardiac operation

A wound-healing agent developed in the European Union is based on the combination of organic hyaluronan with inorganic iodine. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy and safety of hyaluronate-iodine in the treatment of sternal wounds. Eight patients with sternal wound dehiscence were entered into the study. After debridement, wounds were dressed with gauze soaked in hyaluronate-iodine. In one patient with an epipleural abscess, hyaluronate-iodine was instilled directly into the abscess cavity daily. Complete healing was achieved in 7 patients, and 1 patient underwent a reconstructive operation for wound closure. The mean (SD) length of treatment was 136 (114.2) days. No adverse effects or complications were apparent in this group. Hyaluronate-iodine is safe and effective in healing sternal wound dehiscence. Randomized controlled trials are needed for further validation.     

The number of wires for sternal closure has a significant influence on sternal complications in high-risk patients

OBJECTIVES Sternal dehiscence and mediastinitis are rare but serious complications following cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the number of sternal wires used for chest closure on sternal complications. METHODS From May 2003 to April 2007, 4714 adult patients received cardiac surgery in our institute. X-ray images of all patients were reviewed and the used wires were counted. Patients who received another material or longitudinal wiring technique according to Robicsek for chest closure were excluded from this analysis; thus 4466 patients were included into the final analysis. Figure-of-eight wiring was counted as two wires. RESULTS Sternal complications occurred in 2.4%, and hospital mortality with or without sternal complications were 2.8 and 2.7%, respectively (P?=?0.60). Mean numbers of sternal wires were 7.8 in both patient groups with or without sternal complications (P?=?0.79). Multivariate analysis revealed diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR) 1.54, 95% CI 1.01-2.34, P?=?0.04], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.12-2.79, P?=?0.01) and renal insufficiency (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.11-2.59, P?=?0.001) as significant risk factors for sternal complications. In high-risk patients, the use of less than eight wires was significantly associated with postoperative sternal complications. CONCLUSIONS Particularly in high-risk patients, careful haemostasis should be done and eight or more wires should be used to avoid sternal complications.     

Total and superior sternal clefts in newborns: a simple technique for surgical correction

The authors discuss six cases of superior and total sternal clefts treated in their department in the last 34 years and discuss the problems of this congenital malformation. The inferior sternal clefts including Cantrell's pentalogy and the total ventral clefts were excluded because in these cases severe associated anomalies require another approach. In superior and total sternal clefts, cardiac, vascular anomalies in lungs and abdomen and craniofacial dysgenesias are rarely present. In these cases a primary repair during the first weeks of life should be performed. Furthermore, the authors describe their own surgical approach, consisting of the conversion of the partial cleft into a total one. Then the rims are trimmed, and a complete approximation of the two segments is possible.