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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1986; 34(3): 191-193
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1020407
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Closure of Longitudinal Sternotomy with Absorbable Sutures

J. Mulch1 , W. A. Stertmann1 , D. Kling2 , H. H. Scheld1
  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
  • 2Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, FRG
Further Information

Publication History

1985

Publication Date:
09 May 2008 (online)

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Summary

In a consecutive series of 150 patients who underwent open heart surgery, absorbable suture (PDS-Ethicon) were used for the closure of median sternotomy. One patient developed sternal dehiscence; wound complications or incompatibility with the suture material did not occur. With the technique of “double” PDS sutures, rapid and secure sternal closure can be performed even in cases of friability of the sternum without cutting through the sternal bone.

Key words

Sternal closure - Absorbable sutures