The Use of Staggered Interlocking Figure-of-Eight Wired Sternotomy Closure in Post-Cardiothoracic Surgery Mediastinitis

Abstract

Purpose: Mediastinitis occurs in 1–4% of cardiothoracic surgery and has been associated with morbidity and mortality [ [1] Ennker I.C. Ennker J.C. Management of sterno-mediastinitis. HSR Proc Intensive Care Cardiovasc Anesth. 2012; 4: 233-241 Google Scholar ]. There are four tenets in managing mediastinitis: infection control, sternum stability, vacuum-assisted closure therapy, and flap reconstruction [ [1] Ennker I.C. Ennker J.C. Management of sterno-mediastinitis. HSR Proc Intensive Care Cardiovasc Anesth. 2012; 4: 233-241 Google Scholar ]. This study presented a case report using staggered, interlocking figure-of-eight wire closure to ensure sternum stability and a literature review on sternum closure techniques.