Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011; 59(1): 49-50
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250210
How to do it

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Repair of Sternal Dehiscence with Titanium Mesh Plates: The Sandwich Technique

M. A. Sahin1 , S. Doganci1 , A. Guler1
  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey
Further Information

Publication History

received May 21, 2010

Publication Date:
17 January 2011 (online)

Abstract

Sternal dehiscence after cardiac surgery occurs infrequently and can lead to mediastinitis and prolonged hospital stay and may even result in death. The most common treatment for mechanical sternal instability is rewiring with wound debridement. We present a case in which a modified titanium mesh plate fixation technique was used. A safe and easy to perform technique, this method can be an alternative option to wire closure in a sternum with fractures, instability or poor bone quality.

References

  • 1 Voss B, Bauernschmitt R, Will A et al. Sternal reconstruction with titanium plates in complicated sternal dehiscence.  Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2008;  34 139-145
  • 2 Song D H, Lohman R F, Renucci J D et al. Primary sternal plating in high-risk patients prevents mediastinitis.  Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2004;  26 (2) 367-372
  • 3 Negri A, Manfredi J, Terrini A et al. Prospective evaluation of a new sternal closure method with thermoreactive clips.  Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2002;  22 (4) 571-575
  • 4 Robicsek F, Daugherty H K, Cook J W. The prevention and treatment of sternum separation following open-heart surgery.  J Thorac and Cardiovasc Surg. 1977;  73 267-268
  • 5 Plass A, Grünenfelder J, Reuthebuch O et al. New transverse plate fixation system for complicated sternal wound infection after median sternotomy.  Ann Thorac Surg. 2007;  83 (3) 1210-1212

Dr. Mehmet Ali Sahin, MD

Gülhane Military Medical Academy

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery

Gn.Dr. Tevfik Saglam Cad.

06010 Ankara

Turkey

Phone: +90 53 23 00 13 09

Fax: +90 31 23 04 52 00

Email: mali_irem@yahoo.com