Sternal Fixation Research Articles

Bilateral multiple ribs and sternum fracture causing central flail chest with respiratory failure

Bilateral thoracic blunt injuries in a patient may present with central Flail chest, and acute respiratory failure which is one of the life-threatening complications. We present a case of central flail chest caused by blunt trauma, successfully managed with operative rib and sternum fixation. A 35-year male with a central flail chest with acute respiratory failure caused by road-traffic accident who was managed initially with bilateral intercostal chest-tube drainage for significant bilateral hemopneumothorax and lung contusions. The patient was intubated and connected to mechanical ventilatory support with positive pressure ventilation for the internal pneumatic stabilization. There were multiple rib fractures anteriorly (first to seventh rib bilaterally) and fracture of the sternum - the flail chest, for which he underwent bilateral rib fixation and fixation of sternum with titanium reconstruction plate and screws on the 9th postinjury day. Tracheostomy was done along with fixation in the same sitting. Post-operatively, after 48 hours of positive pressure mechanical ventilation, the weaning was started and by the 4-5th day, the patient was on room air with a tracheostomy tube. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the eighth postoperative day.

Partial coverage adhesive augmented sternal fixation and stabilization: A biomechanical analysis

Adhesive-augmented sternal fixation (AASF) has been investigated as an alternative to the clinical standard of cerclage wires; however, previous studies have focused on a full adhesive layer across the sternal midline, which acts as a barrier to bone healing. This study used a human cadaveric model to investigate if partial coverage AASF used in combination with wired fixation could provide adequate stability. Median sternotomies were performed on fifteen human cadaveric sterna. Three groups (n = 5) with varying adhesive coverage (50 %, 62.5 %, 75 %) of the sternal midline and traditional wiring were investigated. Cyclic lateral distraction loading of 10 N to 100 N was applied at 50 N/s. Every 30 cycles, the maximum load was increased by 100 N to a maximum of 500 N. Displacement was measured using transducers spanning the transection line at the manubrium, body, and xiphoid. Mean maximum total displacement (MMTD) for all groups was significantly below 2 mm (p < 0.001) with 1.49 mm ± 0.82 mm, 0.97 mm ± 0. 55 mm, and 0.67 mm ± 0.65 mm in the 50 %, 62.5 %, and 75 % groups respectively. MMTD in the 50 % group was significantly greater than MMTD in the 62.5 % and 75 % groups. AASF improved stability as coverage of the sternal surface with adhesive increased. Partial coverage of the sternal midline with adhesive may provide similar rigidity to a full layer while enabling earlier sternal ossification at the transection line compared to wiring alone.

Causes of Mediastinitis and Its Surgical Treatment

Mediastinitis remains a potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. This study reviews the risk factors for mediastinitis after cardiac surgery, and discusses current treatment and prevention of this complication. This review explores three major independent risk factors for mediastinitis including individual patient factors, surgical procedures and microbiology. The perioperative period is influenced by the utilization of the internal mammary artery in conjunction with coronary artery bypass grafting, sternal fixation, vacuum-assisted closure, and negative pressure wound therapy. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are frequently encountered microorganisms. Additionally, aerobic gram-negative microorganisms and other infrequent microorganisms are also exhibiting a rising trend. Since sternal fixation devices effectively enhance sternal stability, alleviate wound pain, and decrease the occurrence of postoperative mediastinitis, they have been specifically incorporated into certain therapeutic and prophylactic approaches for addressing this complication. Despite the heightened awareness regarding mediastinitis, the large proportion of individuals at risk underscores the crucial need for rigorous monitoring of potential risk factors, posing a significant challenge to the implementation of effective therapeutic and preventative strategies.

Rigid Sternal Fixation and Enhanced Recovery for Opioid-Free Analgesia After Cardiac Surgery

BackgroundWe evaluated the individual contributions of rigid-plate fixation (RPF) and an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) on postoperative pain, opioid use, and other outcomes after median sternotomy as they were sequentially adopted into practice. MethodsThis single-center, retrospective, case-cohort study compared outcomes between median sternotomy patients (all comers) who underwent operation before implementation of RPF or ERP (“controls”), patients closed with RPF before ERP implementation (“RPF-only”), and patients managed with RPF and ERP during early “RPF+ERP-2020” and late “RPF+ERP-2022” implementation. ResultsThe analysis included 608 median sternotomy patients (mean age, 65.7 ± 10.8 years; 29.6% women). Of those, 59.2% were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, 7.7% were isolated valve procedures, and the rest were mixed/concomitant procedures. Median in-hospital, postoperative opioid administration was 172.5 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) in the control cohort vs 0 MMEs for RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001), despite similar or slightly reduced patient-reported pain scores. The proportion of patients discharged directly to home was 66.2% for controls, 79.6% for RPF-only (P = .010), and 93.5% for RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001). Median opioids prescribed at discharge were 600 MMEs for controls and 0 for RPF+ERP-2020 and RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001). At discharge, 86.7% of RPF-only patients received prescription opioids vs 5% in RPF+ERP-2020 and 4.3% RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001). These outcomes occurred without increased readmissions. ConclusionsSystematic implementation of RPF and ERP was associated with a significant and clinically meaningful decrease in opioid use in this large, real-world patient population.

A Bicentric, International, Retrospective Study to Assess Steelex Sternum Set for Sternal Closure in Cardiac Surgery – STERCCAS a Cohort Study

Sternal fixation with steel wires or cerclages, is the gold standard for closing a midline sternotomy, the standard incision in cardiac surgery. Rare wound complications can occur following a sternotomy wire closure. The objective of this study is to establish that the clinical efficacy of the Steelex Sternum Set is equivalent to the results documented in existing literature. The cohorts of the previously conducted OPTICABG and PREMIVALVE studies served as a foundation for the design of this retrospective, bicentric, international, single-arm study. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the Steelex Sternum Set for sternal closure after coronary artery bypass grafting or cardiac valve replacement/reconstruction surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of a composite consisting of sternum instability, sternum dehiscence, superficial and deep sternal wound infection up to six months after surgery. A quantitative summary of the available clinical literature has been conducted for comparison purposes. There were 229 patients in total (89 PREMIVALVE and 140 OPTICABG). The combined rate of surgical site infection and sternal dehiscence/instability was 3.49%, compared to 1.5 - 20% described in the literature. Severe complications such as mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and mediastinitis occurred in about 0.8 - 2% of cases. The Steelex Sternum Set is a safe and appropriate method for sternal closure in a diverse patient population undergoing cardiac valve replacement and/or reconstruction, as well as coronary artery bypass graft surgery, in routine clinical settings.

Sternal fixation for traumatic sternal fractures demonstrates better long-term quality of life outcomes than nonoperative management: A survey analysis.

Sternal fractures are rare, causing significant pain, respiratory compromise, and decreased upper extremity range of motion. Sternal fixation (SF) is a viable treatment option; however, there remains a paucity of literature demonstrating long-term benefits. This study examined long-term outcomes of SF, hypothesizing they have better long-term quality of life (QoL) than patients managed nonoperatively (NOM). This was a survey study at our level 1 academic hospital. All patients diagnosed with a sternal fracture were included from January 2016 to July 2021. Patients were grouped whether they received SF or NOM. Basic demographics were obtained. Three survey phone call attempts were conducted. The time from injury to survey was recorded. Outcomes included responses to the QoL survey, which included mobility, self-care, usual activities, chest pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The survey scale is 1-5 (1=worst condition possible; 5=best possible condition). Patients were asked to rate their current health on a scale of 0-100 (100 being the best possible health imaginable). Chi square and t-tests were used. Significance was set at p<0.05. Three hundred eighty four patients were surveyed. Sixty nine underwent SF and 315 were NOM. Thirty-eight (55.1%) SF patients and 126 (40%) NOM patients participated in the survey. Basic demographics were similar. Average days from sternal fracture to survey was 1198 (±492) for the SF group and 1454 (±567) for the NOM group. The SF cohort demonstrated statistically significant better QoL than the NOM cohort for all categories except anxiety/depression. SF provides better long-term QoL and better overall health scores compared to NOM.

Why Has Rigid Primary Sternal Fixation Adoption Stalled?

Why Has Rigid Primary Sternal Fixation Adoption Stalled?

Awake sternal fixation; comparison of technical details and early results with sternal fixation methods performed via general anaesthesia.

Isolated sternal fractures are rare pathologies that rarely require surgical fixation. Although different fixation techniques are used, it is routinely performed under general anaesthesia. In our study, we aimed to share the details of the awake sternal fixation technique performed in our clinic and to compare the early results with sternal fixation methods performed under general anaesthesia. Between January 2009 and January 2023, 129 patients who were diagnosed with sternal fracture and who underwent investigations and follow-up in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Thirteen patients who underwent surgical fixation for isolated sternal fracture were included in the study. Patients were categorized according to fixation and anaesthetic technique; group 1: fixation with steel wire under general anaesthesia (n = 4), group 2: fixation with titanium plate-screw under general anaesthesia (n = 4) and group 3: fixation with awake titanium plate-screw with parasternal intercostal plane block (n = 5). Demographics, surgical indication, radiological findings, surgical incision, surgical time and hospital stay were statistically compared. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 55.15 ± 15.01 years and 84.6% (n = 11) were male. The most common reason for fixation was displaced fracture (53.8%). Fixation surgery was performed due to pain in 30.8% (n = 4) and non-union in 15.4% (n = 2) of the fractures. The mean duration of surgery were 98.75 ± 16.52, 77.5 ± 35 and 41 ± 14.74 min, respectively. Duration of surgery was significantly lower in group 3 compared to the other groups (P = 0.012). The hospital stay duration for group 1 was 6 days, group 2 was 4 days and group 3 was 1 day. A notable difference was observed among all groups (P = 0.019). Awake sternal fixation technique with titanium plate-screw system under superficial parasternal intercostal plane block is an easy and effective method for surgical treatment of isolated sternal fractures. This technique showed a direct positive effect on the duration of surgery and hospital stay.

Sternal closure with sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh reduces postoperative hemorrhage: a retrospective study

BackgroundMedian sternotomy is the most performed procedure in cardiac surgery; however, sternal displacement and bleeding remains a problem. This study aimed to investigate whether sternal reconstruction using a sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate can prevent postoperative sternal displacement and bleeding more than a bioresorbable pin.MethodsPatients (n = 218) who underwent median sternotomy were classified according to whether a sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate and wire cerclage (group M, n = 109) or a bioresorbable pin and wire cerclage (group P, n = 109) were used during sternal reconstruction. The causes of postoperative sternal displacement and bleeding with computed tomography data were analyzed and compared between the groups.ResultsThe preoperative patient characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups. However, the evaluation of sternal and substernal hematoma on postoperative day 5 using computed tomography showed sternal displacement in 4 (4%) and 22 (20%) patients, and substernal hematoma in 17 (16%) and 41 (38%) patients in groups M and P, respectively; this difference was significant. Furthermore, the amount of bleeding at 6 h postoperatively was lower in group M than in group P (235 ± 147 vs. 284 ± 175 mL, p = 0.0275). Chest reopening, intubation time, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stays did not differ between the groups. The evaluation of substernal hematoma based on computed tomography yielded a significantly lower for group M than for group P, revealing that the mesh plate was an independent predictor of substernal hematoma prevention.ConclusionSternal fixation with a three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate could prevent postoperative sternal displacement, bleeding, and substernal hematoma more than sternal fixation with a pin.

The Results of Rigid Titanium Plate Reinforcement and Only Conventional Wire Methods in Sternal Fixation in Morbidly Obese Patients.

In this study, it was aimed to compare the clinical results and complications of rigid titanium plate reinforcement and only conventional wire methods for sternum fixation in morbidly obese patients who underwent sternotomy for open-heart surgery. The study was planned as a retrospective case-control study. Morbidly obese patients who underwent open-heart surgery with median sternotomy between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of characteristics of the patients (P≥0.05). Sternal dehiscence, sternum revision, wound drainage, and mediastinitis were significantly less common in the titanium plate group (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of 30-day mortality (P≥0.05). Rigid titanium plate reinforcement application produced more positive clinical results than only conventional wire application. In addition, it was determined that although the rigid titanium plate application prolonged the operation time, it did not make a significant difference in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to the conventional wire applied group.

Novel use of interosseous absorbable mattress sutures for secondary sternal fixation: A case series

There is currently no consensus on the treatment of median sternotomy patients presenting secondarily with deep sternal wound infection or symptomatic sternal nonunion. We have developed a novel approach to sternal bone fixation when concerns for open wounds or microbial colonization preclude the use of permanent hardware placement: (1) sternal closure with absorbable interosseous monocortical horizontal mattress sutures followed by (2) multilayered soft tissue closure with pectoralis major advancement or turnover flaps. Benefits of this technique include: closure of retrosternal dead-space, tension offloading of the soft tissue closure, repair of transverse sternal fractures, and preservation of internal mammary artery (IMA) perforators for potential pectoralis turnover flaps. In our early experience, this technique has been successful at promoting functional sternal union - even in secondary closure of high-risk patients contraindicated for permanent hardware placement.

Tissue response to a novel bone adhesive implanted subcutaneously in rats: A histological and gene expression analysis

AbstractMedian sternotomy provides access to the heart and surrounding valves for cardiothoracic surgery. However, complications arise such as micro‐motion and separation between the two sternal halves. To prevent these complications, the use of a bone adhesive has been proposed to augment the mechanical union of the two sternal halves when combined with wire cerclage. Our group has developed a bone adhesive for sternal fixation, utilizing a glass polyalkenoate cement (GPC) based on a zinc silicate ionomeric glass (mole fraction: SiO2:0.48, ZnO:0.36, CaO:0.12, SrO:0.04). Here we present the first soft‐tissue biological safety assessment of this novel Sr/Zn‐GPC, where we implanted the material subcutaneously in rats for 6 and 12 weeks. Polymethyl‐methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement was used as a baseline control with respect to inflammation and biocompatibility. Histological assessment revealed no adverse tissue reaction nor ectopic bone formation in response to the novel material. Additionally, relative expression of pro‐inflammatory and osteogenic genes (Col1a1, SOX9, Runx2, IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) was assessed in the tissue surrounding implants and revealed no significant differences in expression between the Sr/Zn‐GPC and PMMA implants.

State of the art: Proceedings of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery Summit

Despite the benefits established for multiple surgical specialties, enhanced recovery after surgery has been underused in cardiac surgery. A cardiac enhanced recovery after surgery summit was convened at the 102nd American Association for Thoracic Surgery annual meeting in May 2022 for experts to convey key enhanced recovery after surgery concepts, best practices, and applicable results for cardiac surgery. Topics included implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery, prehabilitation and nutrition, rigid sternal fixation, goal-directed therapy, and multimodal pain management.

A prospective randomized controlled study to assess the effectiveness of super FIXSORB WAVE® for sternal stabilization after sternotomy.

We developed a new sternal fixation device, Super FIXSORB WAVE®, a corrugated plate made of u-HA/PLLA, to improve sternal stability after sternotomy. This present study aimed to evaluate the new device clinically. This prospective, single-blinded, multicenter trial randomized 69 patients to either wire cerclage only (group C, n = 30) or wire cerclage plus Super FIXSORB WAVE® (group W, n = 39). The primary endpoint was a degree of sternal displacement at six months. Displacement of the sternal halves in the anteroposterior and lateral directions was measured using computed tomography horizontal section images at the third costal and fourth intercostal levels. The secondary endpoints were sternal pain and quality-of-life over 6 months. Group W showed significantly reduced sternal anteroposterior displacement at both the third costal (0 [0-1.9] mm vs. 1.1 [0-2.1] mm; P = 0.014) and fourth intercostal (0 [0-1.0] mm) vs. 1.0 [0-1.8] mm; P = 0.015) levels than group C. In group W, lateral displacement was suppressed without a significant increase from 2weeks to 6months, while it increased in group C. There was no significant difference in postoperative sternal pain and quality-of-life between the two groups. No adverse events, such as infection, inflammation, or foreign body reaction, were observed with this device. Using Super FIXSORB WAVE®, sternal displacement was significantly suppressed in both the anteroposterior and lateral directions. The use of this device results in safe and easy sternal reinforcement without any adverse events, and sternal healing can be accelerated. This study was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (February 21, 2019; jRCTs032180146).

Analysis of Factors Influencing Thoracic Deformities after Median Sternotomy in Infants Who Underwent Congenital Cardiac Surgery

Objective. To investigate the incidence of thoracic deformities after median sternotomy in infants who underwent congenital cardiac surgery and determine its influencing factors. Methods. This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 156 infants who underwent congenital cardiac surgery with median sternotomy in a provincial hospital in China from September 2020 to January 2022 were included. Depending on whether thoracic deformities occurred, the patients were classified into the thoracic deformity group and the no thoracic deformity group. Relevant data were retrieved through an electronic medical record system, and statistical comparisons and analyses were performed. Results. The incidence of postoperative thoracic deformities in this cohort was 10.9%. Sternal pins for auxiliary sternal fixation were used in eighty-nine infants. After analysis, it was found that age at operation (1.9 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.2, P &lt; 0.001 ) and weight-for-age Z-scores (−2.0 ± 0.7 vs. −1.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.001 ) of the thoracic deformity group were significantly lower than those of the no thoracic deformity group. In addition, sternal pin use was significantly higher in the no thoracic deformity group than in the thoracic deformity group (61.9% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.001 ). Univariable analysis showed that age at operation (OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 2.38–9.46; P &lt; 0.001 ) and weight-for-age Z-scores (OR, 4.40; 95% CI, 1.74–11.12; P = 0.002 ) were significant risk factors for postoperative thoracic deformity. Using sternal pins for auxiliary sternal fixation was an important protective factor (OR, 7.57; 95% CI, 2.08–27.59; P = 0.003 ). Conclusions. In this study, 10.9% of infants undergoing congenital cardiac surgery through a median sternotomy developed thoracic deformities after surgery. Younger age at operation and poor nutritional conditions may be risk factors for postoperative thoracic deformity. Sternal pin-assisted fixation has a positive effect on the prevention of thoracic deformities.

Outcomes after fixation of rib fractures sustained during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A retrospective single center analysis.

Historically rib fractures have been typically treated non-operatively. Recent studies showed promising results after osteosynthesis of rib fractures in trauma patients with flail segments or multiple rib fractures. However, there is a paucity of data on rib fixation after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study evaluated the outcomes of patients who received rib fixation after CPR. Adult patients who received surgical fixation of rib fractures sustained during CPR between 2010 and 2020 were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective study. Outcome measures included complications, quality of life (EQ 5D 5L) and level of dyspnea. Nineteen patients were included with a mean age of 66.8 years. The mean number of fractured ribs was ten, seven patients additionally had a sternum fracture. Pneumonia occurred in 15 patients (74%), of which 13 were diagnosed preoperatively and 2 post-operatively. Six patients developed a postoperative pneumothorax, none of which required revision surgery. One patient showed persistent flail chest after rib fixation and required additional fixation of a concomitant sternum fracture. One infection of the surgical site of sternal plate occurred, while no further surgery related complications were reported. Mean EQ-5D-5L was 0.908 and the average EQ VAS was 80. One patient reported persisting dyspnea. To date, this is the largest reported cohort of patients who received rib fixation for fractures sustained during CPR. No complications associated with rib fixation were reported whereas one infection after sternal fixation did occur. Current follow-up demonstrated a good long-term quality of life after fixation, warranting further studies on this topic. Deeper knowledge on this subject would be beneficial for a wide spectrum of physicians.

Sternal Fractures due to Blunt Chest Trauma.

The present article aimed to give an overview of sternal fractures and discuss their management and prognoses. The retrieved pertinent publications of 2011-2021 constituted the materials of the present study. The misdiagnosis rate of X-ray was 5.5% and that of sonography was 6.3% for diagnosing the sternal fractures. There were more patients with complicated than with isolated sternal fractures (98.8% vs. 1.2%, p<0.001). Sternal fractures were treated surgically in 59.5%, conservatively in 39.7%, and staged conservatively and surgically in 0.8% of patients. Extremity fractures, brain injury, lung contusion, and intraabdominal/intraperitoneal injuries were the most common associated injuries to sternal fractures. A small number of patients with sternal fractures have fracture-related delayed complications, most of which require surgical treatments with good outcomes. For solitary sternal fractures, short-term pain relief is sufficient. Most complicated sternal fractures require surgical treatment by sternal fixation. Intrathoracic injuries, especially life-threatening cardiopulmonary injuries that are complicated to sternal fractures warrant resuscitation and corresponding active treatment. The causes of patients' death with sternal fractures were usually not related to the sternum fracture itself, but mostly to the associated injuries. Key Words: Fracture, Sternum, Trauma.

AUDIT FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE FULFILLMENT OF CARDIAC ERAS GUIDELINES IN LOW EURO-SCORE II CARDIAC SURGICAL PATIENTS IN THE FREEMAN HOSPITAL.

<h3>Introduction</h3> Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, transdisciplinary care improvement initiative to promote recovery of patients undergoing surgery throughout their entire perioperative journey. These programs aim to reduce complications and promote an earlier return to normal activities. <h3>Aim</h3> Investigate the fulfilment of cardiac ERAS guidelines in low euro-score II cardiac surgical patients in the Freeman hospital in 2020. <h3>Patients & Methods</h3> A retrospective investigation of fulfillment of ERACS recommendations in patients with low euro-score II. - Data collected from the surgical data-base in 2020 and patients e-records. - The recommendations from the ERACS 2019 guidelines were used as a reference. Audit Results: The ERACS guidelines investigated included: - Preoperative data: - ALL patients had Pre-operative Albumin level done. - None of the patients had initiation of Preoperative multimodal analgesic. - None of the patients stopped smoking & hazardous alcohol 4 week before elective surgery. - None had preoperative CHO Loading. - Preoperative HbA1c in 69% of patients. - Clear liquids continued up to 2 to 4 hours before GA in 51% of patients. - Intraoperative data: - In ALL patients Hyperthermia was avoided while rewarming on CPB. - In ALL patients Tranexamic acid was given during on-pump. - Postoperative data: - All patients had Perioperative glycemic control. - ALL patients had an insulin infusion for hyperglycemia postoperatively. - In ALL patients a postoperative delirium screening tool used at least once per nursing shift . - In All patients persistent hypothermia after CPB was avoided. - The peri-operative, multimodal, opioid-sparing, pain management plan: Paracetamol: ALL Tramadol: None Dexmedetomidine: None Gabapentin: None Regional anaesthesia: None - ALL had thromboprophylaxis after surgery . - None had early detection of AKI. - All patients had early postoperative enteral feeding and mobilization. - 76% were extubated within 6 hrs. Audit Recommendations: - Initiate our own ERAS cardiac program. - Add engagement tools in pre-operative education. - Pre-habilitation and optimization for patients with multiple comorbidities. - Smoking and alcohol cessation. - Pre-operative HbA1C in all cases. - Preoperatrive correction of nutritional deficiency . - Clear liquids continued up to 2 to 4 hours before GA. - Oral CHO 2-4 h before surgery. - Pre-operative multimodal analgesic (Gabapentin 300 mg and Paracetamol 1000 mg given orally in preoperative holding area). - Minimal anxiolytics before surgery - Surgical site infection reduction care bundle. - Rigid sternal fixation. - Intraoperative multimodal analgesia. - Strategies to ensure early extubation within 6 h of surgery. - Avoid stripping or breaking the sterile field of chest tubes to remove clots. - Early detection of kidney stress - Goal-directed fluid therapy: - Early removal of Lines and drains - Management of pre-operative anaemia. - Goal directed perfusion strategies. - A protective lung ventilation strategy. ASSESSMENT OF THE FULFILLMENT OF CARDIAC ERAS GUIDELINES IN LOW EURO-SCORE II (<3) CARDIAC SURGICAL PATIENTS IN THE FREEMAN HOSPITAL, IN CALENDAR YEAR 2020.

Ravitch Surgery or Dynamic Compression Bracing for Pectus Carinatum: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundPectus carinatum is a pediatric condition that can be treated by dynamic compression system (DCS) bracing or surgery. Several publications on DCS bracing or surgery are available; however, they do not compare both treatments. MethodsOver a 10-year period, 738 patients with pectus carinatum were treated at the Amsterdam Pectus Center (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). This study describes this 10-year experience and the results of both treatments. ResultsOf the 631 patients who underwent DCS bracing treatment, 553 finished treatment, and 78 patients are still under treatment. A total of 73.8% (n = 408) of these patients finished treatment successfully, 13.6% (n = 75) experienced treatment failure, and 12.7% (n = 70) were lost to follow-up. The success rate decreased with an increasing pressure of initial compression (84.2%-67.3%). Marfan syndrome and Poland syndrome were associated with unfavorable results. Ravitch surgery was performed in 105 patients, with a success rate of 92.4%. Complications occurred in 32.4% of patients, and 6.7% of patients had complications for which surgery was needed. No relationship was found between osteotomy or sternal fixation and outcomes or complications. The Abramson procedure was performed in 2 patients. ConclusionsDCS bracing should be the treatment of choice in patients with pectus carinatum because of its noninvasiveness, good results, and lower complication rate compared with surgery. Besides pressure of initial correction, motivation is an important factor influencing outcomes, and compliance remains a major challenge in treating pectus carinatum using DCS bracing. Bracing patients before their growth spurt should be discouraged. Patients with a higher pressure of initial compression (>8.0-8.5 psi) and Marfan syndrome or Poland syndrome have poorer outcomes. In those patients, surgery may be considered.

Impact of sternal fixation on patient outcomes: A case matched review.

Sternal fractures are debilitating injuries often resulting in severe pain and respiratory compromise. Surgical fixation of sternal fractures is gaining popularity as a treatment modality for sternal fractures. Unfortunately, little literature exists on this topic. This study looks to further examine the benefits of sternal fixation (SF), hypothesizing SF results in improved pain, improved respiratory function, and decreased opioid use. Retrospective review was performed between patients with sternal fractures who underwent nonoperative management (NOM) versus operative SF. Case matching was used to construct an artificial control group matched on age and Injury Severity Score using a 1:1 ratio of treatment to control. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years. Outcomes of interest included mean pain score, total opioid requirements (in morphine milliequivalents) within 24 hours of discharge, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay (LOS), and incentive spirometry percent predicted value at discharge. Dependent variables were analyzed using t test, and Injury Severity Score was analyzed using the sign test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Fifty-eight patients from the SF cohort were matched with 58 patients from the NOM cohort. The average age was 59.8 years for the SF group and 62.2 years for the NOM group. Injury Severity Score was matched at 9 for both cohorts. Although pain scores were similar for both cohorts, the SF group required significantly less opioids at discharge (62.1 vs. 92.2 morphine milliequivalents; p = 0.007). In addition, the SF cohort demonstrated significantly improved respiratory function per incentive spirometry percent predicted value at discharge (75.5% vs. 59.9%; p < 0.001). Intensive care unit LOS and hospital LOS were similar between cohorts. Despite similarities in pain scores, intensive care unit LOS, and hospital LOS, SF was associated with decreased opioid requirements and improved respiratory function at discharge in this study. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.