Sternal closure in patients with the high risk of sternal dehiscence

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of sternal closure using the «double twist» technique.Methods and materials. The study included 37 patients with risk factors for sternal dehiscence (obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The patients were divided into 2 groups. In the first group (n=12), «double twist» technique was used. In patients of the second group (n=25), osteosynthesis was performed using standard technique (single wire ligatures). The efficacy of the «double twist» sternal closure was evaluated on the basis of clinical examination and multispiral computed tomography of the chest.Results. In the early postoperative period, the sternal dehiscence, which required re-operation was detected in 12 % after standard sternal closure. Sternum was stable in all of the patients of «double twist» group (p=0.211). No deep sternal infection was observed in both groups. In the follow-up (up to 6 months), there were no clinical and tomographic sings of delayed sternal dehiscence or infection in «double twist» group.Conclusions. Sternal closure using the «double twist» technique provides reliable fixation of the sternum in patients with the risk of its dehiscence.

Keywords

• cardiac surgery
• sternum
• sternal closure
• dehiscence