Superficial Sternal Infection Research Articles

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and Reduced Surgical Site Infection After Cardiac Surgery: A Potential Blessing in Disguise.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about drastic hygienic measures, one upside of which might be the mitigated occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI). This study investigated the association of the pandemic with SSI occurrence after cardiac surgeries. Patients and Methods: From 2014 to 2022, patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included and categorized into pre-pandemic and during-pandemic groups. Surgical site infections were classified into harvest-site, superficial sternal, and complex sternal infection. Multiple logistic regression and inverse probability weighting assessed the association of the pandemic with SSI. Results: Among a total of 26,143 patients, 793 SSIs occurred. The during-pandemic patients were younger (61.87 ± 10.58 vs. 65.64 ± 11.82) with a higher male proportion (70.1% vs. 67.4%) and a higher prevalence of all studied comorbidities/risk factors (expect cigarette smoking). Total SSI rate decreased substantially from 3.3% before COVID-19 to 1.8% afterward (p < 0.001). Inverse probability weights analyses evinced an independent association of the pandemic with a reduced risk of total (adjusted odds ratio [OR]; 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.78), harvest-site (adjusted OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.70), and superficial sternal infection (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.81). No significant association was observed with complex sternal site infection (adjusted OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.55-2.01). Multivariable regression recapitulated these findings. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic independently pertained to more than a 40% reduction in SSI occurrence, particularly affecting harvest-site and superficial sternal infections. However, there remains the possibility of the implications of other known and unknown confounders on the observed association. To some extent, the decrease in SSIs after the pandemic can be justified by reinforced hygienic precautions, emphasizing the necessity of extending the adherence to these measurements into the post-COVID-19 era to maintain the status quo.

The COVID-19 pandemic and reduced surgical site infection following cardiac surgery: time to take up the baton

Abstract Background Various hygienic measures have been reinforced or newly-adopted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, studies have indicated a reduction in various types of hospital-acquired infections, including surgical site infections (SSI). Purpose This study investigated the association of the pandemic with SSI following cardiac surgeries. Method From 2014 to 2022, 26143 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included and categorized into "pre-pandemic" (n= 22015) and "during-pandemic" (n=4128) groups. SSIs were classified into harvest-site, superficial sternal, and complex sternal infection. Logistic regression (univariate and multivariable) and inverse probability weighting (IPW) assessed the association of the pandemic with SSIs. For both analyses, various known SSI-related risk factors were taken into account as covariates. Results Among the study population, 793 SSIs occurred. The "during-pandemic" patients were significantly younger (61.87±10.58 vs. 65.64 ±11.82) with a higher male proportion (70.1% vs. 67.4%) and a higher prevalence of comorbidities/risk factors (expect for cigarette smoking). Total SSI rate significantly plummeted from 3.3% before COVID-19 to 1.8% afterward (P&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1 and 2). IPW analyses evinced an independent association of the pandemic with a reduced risk of total (adjusted-OR: 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.45-0.78), harvest-site (adjusted-OR: 0.36, 95%CI: 0.19-0.70), and superficial sternal infection (adjusted-OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.43-0.81). No significant association was observed with complex sternal site infection (adjusted-OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.55-2.01). Multivariable regression recapitulated these findings (Figure 2). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic pertained to more than a 40% reduction in SSI occurrence, particularly affecting harvest-site and superficial sternal infections. To some extent, the drop in SSIs following the pandemic can be justified by reinforced hygienic precautions, emphasizing the necessity of extending reinforcement of and adherence to these measurements into the post-COVID-19 era to maintain the status quo.

Association of Obesity with Increased Rate of Postoperative Superficial Sternal Wound Infection after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Objective: The objective of this study was to find association of obesity with postoperative superficial sternal wound infection after CABG. Study Design: This was a prospective comparative study. Place and Duration: This study was conducted at the Cardiac surgery Department, PIC, Jail Road, Lahore from 1st July 2020 to 31st Dec 2020. Methodology: Non probability / purposive sampling technique was used. A total of 140 patients (70 in each group) following inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Quantitative and qualitative variables were filled to the predesigned performa. A detailed social and demographic profile (age, gender, height, weight, BMI). Clinical history, i.e. (Diabetes Mellitus, Smoking, Hypertension) and clinical trials were assessed, i.e. preoperative EF (percent) was calculated. Using SPSS Version 24.0.0, statistical analysis was carried out. Qualitative variables such as gender, risk factors such as DM, HTN, smoking, and superficial sternal infection were represented as percentages, whereas quantitative variables such as age, height and weight were described as mean ± standard deviation. Chi-square test was used to determine the association of obesity with infection of sternal wound. P value≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean age of cases in this study in obese and non-obese group was 47.80 ± 9.79 years and 51.23 ± 9.36 years. There were 70(50%) obese patients and 70(50%) non-obese patients in our study. There were 59(84.29%) cases in obese group and 15 (21.43%) case in non-obese group who had developed post-operative infection, p-value was &lt;0.001 which was highly significant showing strong association between postoperative infection and obesity. Conclusion: Sternal wound infection was a significant outcome in our research. We found strong association of obesity with post-operative sternal wound infection. Keywords: CABG, Diabetes, Obesity, Post-operative infection

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF COMPLICATIONS AFTER STERNOTOMY

Summary. The article presents materials of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics of 44 patients with sternal osteomyelitis and comparative treatment with VAC - therapy and open method. Diagnosis was verified by multispiral computed tomography. Ultrasound showed the best results to control the cleaning and healing of sternotomy wounds. The bacterial spectrum showed a predominance of gram-positive microflora in 52.38 % of patients. The use of VAC therapy reduced the duration of hospitalization of patients from (20,3±2,7) to (13,6±5,8) days.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We analyzed the results of treatment of 22 patients who were treated at the State Institution “V.T. Zayceva IGUS NAMSU “in the period from 2014 to 2020 with osteomyelitis of the sternum (OS) after sternotomies. The material for the bacterial study was the isolation of a sternal wound. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacterial cultures was studied by disco-diffusion method and on agar. Diagnosis of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed using Toshiba Aquilion 64 (Japan).&#x0D; Results and discussion. Wound infection was detected in 42 patients out of 44 examined. A total of 34 strains of microorganisms, representatives of different taxa. S. aureus was dominant and accounted for 23.81 % of the total number of isolates of this genus. In 14.28 % of cases there was contamination of S. epidermidis. E. coli and K. pneumonia 14.28 and 9.52 %, respectively. The most effective in vitro were lincomycin and especially carbopenems (imipenem).&#x0D; Among the instrumental studies we performed fistulography, ultrasound diagnostics (ultrasound) and MSCT.&#x0D; We used VAC therapy in 31 patients and in 13 patients by bandaging depending on the stage of the wound process. The duration was (4.7 ± 1.3) days.&#x0D; There was a decrease in the duration of wound cleansing: with superficial sternal infection — (12.8 ± 5.2) and (4.7 ± 1.3) days; with deep sternal infection — (25.3 ± 1.4) and (10.9 ± 2.2) days; term of hospitalization of patients with superficial sternal infection — (27.3 ± 5.6) and (13.6 ± 5.8) days; term of hospitalization of patients with deep sternal infection — (41.2 ± 3.5) and (20.3 ± 2.7) days.&#x0D; Conclusions. 1. In the diagnosis of OS should be preferred MSCT, which allows to verify the diagnosis in up to 99 % of cases, and the use of ultrasound to monitor the cleaning and healing of sternotomy wounds. The use of VAC therapy reduced the duration of hospitalization of patients from (20,3±2,7) to (13,6±5,8) days.

Impact of blood transfusion on major infection after isolated coronary artery bypass surgery: Incidence and risk factors

Background/aimCardiac surgery is considered one of the conditions that require a transfusion of blood and blood products in large amount. Infections are one of the most common complications after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of blood transfusion on major infections after isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center. Eligible adult patients, aged >18 years, who underwent an isolated CABG from 2015 to 2016, were included. Patient demographic information, as well as pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were collected from the electronic hospital information system charts and perfusion records. For data analysis, categorical pre- and postoperative variables were summarized by frequencies and percentages, whereas for continuous variables, means and standard deviation or median and interquartile ranges were used. ResultsThe sample size was 459 patients. Red blood cells (RBCs) were transfused in 60.1% of the patients, and the median number of units transfused per patient was 2. The mean hemoglobin threshold for transfusion was 8.2 (standard deviation ± 3.6) g/dL. The mean EuroSCORE of RBC recipients was 3.8 ± 5.9% and that of non-RBC recipients was 2.0 ± 2.0%. In both groups (RBC recipients and non-RBC recipients), the most frequent infections after CABG were pneumonia (12% and 8.7%, respectively), deep surgical site infection (3.6% and 0.5%, respectively), and superficial sternal infection (6.9% and 3.8%, respectively), with a statistically significant difference (all p < 0.05). Patients receiving a blood transfusion at any stage during the intraoperative or postoperative period were 2.6 times more likely to develop an infection compared with those who did not receive a blood transfusion. The recipients of a blood transfusion experienced a longer hospital stay compared with the non-recipients at 11.5 ± 9.8 days versus 8.7 ± 3.4 days, respectively. ConclusionsBlood transfusion appears to increase the risk of infection post-CABG. However, increased understanding of the role of other potential clinical confounding variables that may impact the infection rate is required. We recommend management strategies that limit RBC transfusion.

Aortic root surgery with the CARDIOROOT vascular graft: results of a prospective multicenter post-market surveillance study

BackgroundSparing Aortic Valve procedure requires to reproduction of the geometry of the physiologic anatomy of the aortic root. Thus, the materials adopted may make a difference. CARDIOROOT is a one-piece collagen-coated woven vascular graft with pseudo-sinuses, which was designed for use in the treatment of aortic root disease. We report the results of a prospective, multicenter, observational post-market surveillance study evaluating the safety and performance of the CARDIOROOT in patients requiring aortic root surgery.MethodsPatients with aortic root disease suitable for treatment with a vascular graft with pseudo-sinuses CARDIOROOT graft were eligible for participation. The enrolled patients were assessed intraoperatively, post-operatively, at discharge and at 1-year. Sites assessed complications at each visit, and recorded any reported adverse events. The study endpoint was mortality and complications through 1-year post-procedure.ResultsFifty-two patients were enrolled from 6 European centers. All procedures were technically successful. Operative mortality was 1.9%: one patient suffered hemorrhagic shock unrelated to the graft 1 day following surgery. At 1-year follow-up the survival rate was 96.2%, with a late death due to pneumonia 5 months post-procedure. Eleven serious adverse events occurred in 7 patients, which included cardiac complications (pericardial effusion, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmia), infection (pericardial infection, deep sternal infection and superficial sternal infection), vascular disorders, including hemorrhagic shock and pleural effusion requiring drainage. Nine of the 11 events were deemed procedure-related by the local investigator, and all were deemed unrelated to the device. There were no reports of graft-related adverse events, infection, occlusion or graft failure.ConclusionsThe results of this 1-year follow-up study showed that the CARDIOROOT vascular graft is safe and effective for the treatment of aneurysmal aortic root in immediate and mid-term follow-up. However, longer term follow-up is needed before conclusions can be made on the long-term safety and effectiveness.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01609270. Registered 31 May 2012.

POST-STERNOTOMY INFECTIOUS COMPLICATIONS: SURGICAL TREATMENT STRATEGY AND TACTICS

Background. Postoperative sternal and mediastinal complications are relatively rare and constitute about 0.3–6.9 %. However, taking into account a larger number of heart surgeries, the incidence of sternal osteomyelitis and mediastinitis is inevitably on the rise. It is the practice to identify 2 types of complications in relation to the depth of tissue damage: superficial sternal wound infection (suture sinuses, subcutaneous abscesses, sternal osteomyelitis with the formation of sequestra) and deep sternal infection with the development of mediastinitis. The treatment of patients with post-sternotomy complications is long-term and expensive. Materials and methods. The results of treatment were studied in 95 patients with post-sternotomy infectious complications, including 46 (48.4 %) patients with superficial sternal infection and 49 (51.6 %) patients with deep sternal infection and development of mediastinitis. The role of vacuum therapy in treating infectious complications after sternotomy was assessed. The causes of poor treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results and discussion. Step 1 is aimed at abolishing an infectious process and involves necrectomy, lancing a phlegmon, removal of metallic ligatures, excision of sinus tracts, resection of the osteomyelitically changed sternum and ribs. At this step, current technologies were used to treat purulent wounds, by regularly carrying out bacteriological tests. Vacuum therapy was performed in 41 (43.2 %) patients to abolish a purulent sternal process in guidance. The mean time to plasty was 12–28 days. All the patients received etiotropic antibacterial therapy. The optimal variant of Step 2 was omentoplasty and the use of a strand of the greater omentum in combination with mesh prosthesis. The necessary conditions for achieving a successful result in patients with deep sternal infection are to observe the continuity of treatment and to timely propose indicators by the second step, which is achieved by the treatment of patients at a specialized health care institution where a whole package of therapeutic measures can be implemented. Conclusion. Attention should be concentrated on the treatment of patients with post-sternotomy infectious complications at a specialized department that deals with this problem and that can provide a comprehensive approach using up-to-date technologies both to manage purulent wounds and to accomplish the reconstructive and plastic stage. Vacuum therapy is the best way to prepare purulent sternal and mediastinal wounds for plastic surgery. The use of the greater omentum is not only a good procedure to treat anterior mediastinitis, but also a method to reinforce relatively satisfactorily the anterior chest wall.

Delayed Sternal Closure in Cardiac Surgery

Background: Delayed sternal closure (DSC) has a reported incidence of 1.2%-4.2% in the adult cardiac surgical literature for indications including hemodynamic instability, marked myocardial edema, respiratory compromise, intractable bleeding, placement of assist devices, and persistent arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, survival, and morbidity of open chest management (OCM) patients who subsequently required DSC. Methods: All data were collected from the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Cardiac Surgery Database. A total of 1261 patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2012 through June 2013 were analysed, evaluating postoperative morbidity and mortality, along with inciting conditions for the utilization of DSC. Chi-square and frequency analysis were performed using SAS 9.3 software (SAS Institute, NC). Results: A total of 41/1261 (3.25%) cases resulted in DSC. Of the cases requiring DSC, 33/41 (80.5%) were men and 8/41 (19.5%) were women. Analysis revealed 11/41 (26.8%) of cases requiring delayed sternal closure were orthotopic heart transplants, 9/41(21.9%) insertion of ventricular (uni- or bi-ventricular) assist devices (VAD), 8/41 (19.5%) operations were coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), 4/41 (9.76%) were type A aortic dissection graft repairs, 2/41 (4.88%) were mitral valve repairs (MVR), 2/41 (4.88%) were aortic valve repair (AVR) combined with CABG, 2/41 (4.88%) were MVR with CABG, and 3/41 (7.32%) were other cardiac procedures. There were no incidences of superficial sternal infection or mediastinitis in the DSC cohort, while infection occurred in 3/1220 (0.25%) patients after conventional closure. Analysis of postoperative comorbidities revealed acceptable rates of postoperative stroke [2/41 (4.88%)], atrial fibrillation [6/41 (14.6%)], and renal failure [16/41 (39.0%)]. Overall mortality was 14/41 (34.2%). Reasons for planned DSC included bleeding 7/41 (17.1%), hemodynamic instability 11/41 (26.8%), elevated pulmonary artery (PA) pressures in 4/41 (9.76%), and coagulopathy in 19/41 (46.3%), while graft occlusion and valve dysfunction were not factors leading to the implementation of DSC. Conclusion: DSC is a technique that can be readily used in patients who require OCM for various reasons following cardiac surgery. DSC does not appear to increase the risk of infectious complications. Although postoperative complications such as stroke, atrial fibrillation, and renal failure, along with an acceptable mortality rate, is reflective of the patients' morbid condition requiring OCM, DSC can be carried out with a relatively low incidence of sternal complications after cardiac surgery.

Topical vancomycin in combination with perioperative antibiotics and tight glycemic control helps to eliminate sternal wound infections

This study was undertaken to determine whether topical vancomycin would further reduce the incidence of sternal infections in the presence of perioperative antibiotics and tight glycemic control. A total of 1075 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery from December 2007 to August 2013 receiving topical vancomycin (2.5 g in 2 mL of normal saline) applied as a slurry to the cut edges of the sternum were compared with 2190 patients from December 2003 to November 2007 who did not receive topical vancomycin. All patients received perioperative antibiotics (cefazolin 2 g intravenously every 8 hours and vancomycin 1 g intravenously every 12 hours) on induction of anesthetic and continuing for 48 hours; and intravenous insulin infusions to maintain serum blood glucose level between 120 and 180 mg/dL. Patients receiving topical vancomycin had less superficial sternal infections (0% vs 1.6%; P < .0001), deep sternal infections (0% vs 0.7%; P = .005), any type of sternal infection (0% vs 2.2%; P < .0001) and significantly less sternal infections of any type in patients with diabetes mellitus (0% vs 3.3%; P = .0004). Topical vancomycin applied to the sternal edges, in conjunction with perioperative antibiotics and tight glycemic control, helps to eliminate wound infections in cardiac surgical patients.

Simple adaptations of surgical technique to critically reduce the risk of postoperative sternal complications in patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic arteries

Limited blood supply to the thoracic chest wall is a known risk factor for sternal wound complications after CABG. Therefore, bilateral internal thoracic arteries are still rarely utilized despite their proven superior graft patency. The aim of our study was to analyse whether modification of the surgical technique is able to limit the risk of sternal wound complications in patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting. All 418 non-emergent CABG patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery CABG procedures (BITA) from January 2001 to January 2012 were analysed for sternal wound complications. Surgical technique together with known risk factors and relevant comorbidity were analysed for their effect on the occurrence of sternal wound complications by means of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Sternal wound complications occurred in 25 patients (5.9%), with a sternal dehiscence rate of 2.4% (10 patients). In multivariate analysis, diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.9-11.7, P=0.001), but not obesity (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 0.7-4.2, P=0.28) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 0.87-5.6, P=0.1) was a relevant comorbid condition for sternal complications. Skeletonization of ITA grafts (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.5, P=0.001) and the augmented use of sternal wires (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06-0.95, P=0.04) were highly effective in preventing sternal complications. The use of platelet-enriched-fibrin glue (PRF) sealant, however, was associated with more superficial sternal infections (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.3-10.5, P=0.02). Adjusted for common risk factors, skeletonization of BITA grafts together with augmented sternal wires is effective in preventing sternal complications. The use of PRF sealant, however, increased the risk for superficial wound complications.

In-Hospital Outcomes of Pedicled Bilateral Internal Mammary Artery Use in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Single-Surgeon, Single-Center Experience

A common perception is that use of pedicled bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) increases the risk of sternal wound complications in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this study was to compare the in-hospital outcomes of CABG using pedicled BIMA in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. From September 1998 to September 2010, 390 consecutive diabetic patients and 519 nondiabetic patients underwent isolated off-pump CABG using pedicled BIMA. The 2 groups had comparable preoperative demographics except for a higher prevalence of acute myocardial infarction (18.9% versus 6.1%, P = .01), peripheral vascular disease (17.2% versus 2.7%, P = .001), an ejection fraction <30% (17.7% versus 8.5%, P = .02), and chronic renal failure (4.5% versus 0.9%, P = .01) in the diabetic patients. The operative mortality rate of the diabetic patients was comparable to that of the nondiabetic patients (2.8% versus 2.1%, P = .87). The in-hospital outcomes, including occurrence of superficial and deep sternal wound infections, were similar except for an increased occurrence of wound infection at the vein harvest site (6.6% versus 1.1%, P = .04) and a need for hemofiltration (11.8% versus 2.1%, P = .02) in the diabetic patients. Pedicled BIMA use is associated with comparable incidences of sternal wound complications and other outcomes in diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients. Strict perioperative glycemic control, adherence to meticulous closure technique, and postoperative management of surgical wounds can make pedicled BIMA use a default strategy for diabetic patients.

Is post-sternotomy percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy a predictor for sternal wound infections?

Early post-sternotomy tracheostomy is not infrequently considered in this era of percutaneous tracheostomy. There is, however, some controversy about its association with sternal wound infections. Consecutive patients who had percutaneous tracheostomy following median sternotomy for cardiac operation at our institution from March 1998 through January 2007 were studied, and compared to contemporaneous patients. We identified risk factors for tracheostomy, and investigated the association between percutaneous tracheostomy and deep sternal wound infection (mediastinitis) by multivariate analysis. Of 7002 patients, 100 (1.4%) had percutaneous tracheostomy. The procedure-specific rates were: 8.6% for aortic surgery, 2.7% for mitral valve repair/replacement (MVR), 1.1% for aortic valve replacement (AVR), and 0.9% for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Tracheostomy patients differed vastly from other patients on account of older age, severe symptoms, preoperative support, lower ejection fraction, more comorbidities, more non-elective and complex operations and higher EuroScore. Risk factors for tracheostomy were New York Heart Association class III/IV (OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.28-16.23, p<0.0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.01-3.37, p=0.05), preoperative renal failure (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.41-9.01, p=0.007), prior stroke (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.75-5.42, p<0.0001), ejection fraction<0.30% (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.23-6.07, p=0.01), and bypass time (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.004-1.012, p<0.0001). The incidences of deep (9% vs 0.7%, p<0.0001) and superficial sternal infections (31% vs 6.5%, p<0.0001) were significantly higher among tracheostomy patients. Multivariate analysis identified percutaneous tracheostomy as a predictor for deep sternal wound infection (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.14-9.31, p<0.0001). Tracheostomy, often performed in high-risk patients, may further complicate recovery with sternal wound infections, including mediastinitis, therefore, patients and timing should be carefully selected for post-sternotomy tracheostomy.

Autologous Platelet Gel in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Effects on Surgical Wound Healing

Stimulating the body’s natural healing at the cellular level can be achieved through the application of growth factors located within platelets. Once combined with a mixture of calcium and thrombin, this substance, now referred to as autologous platelet gel (APG), can be applied to surgical wound sites for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of APG on surgical site infection, post-operative pain, blood loss, and bruising. After 30 mL platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was processed, 10 mL PRP was distributed on the sternum after re-approximation and 7 mL PRP before skin closure. Ten milliliters PRP was used on the endoscopic leg harvest (EVH) site. The remaining 3 mL was sent to the laboratory for hematologic testing. Both the control (CTR) and treatment (TRT) groups were well matched, with the exception of ejection fraction and pre-operative platelet count, which was significantly higher in the TRT group. Average platelet count yield was 4.2 ± 0.5 × 103/mcL, white blood count (WBC) yielded 1.9 ± 0.7 × 103/mcL, and fibrinogen yielded 1.2 ± 0.2 mg/dL above baseline. There were no deep or superficial sternal infections. However, one patient from each group did experience a leg infection at the EVH site, which occurred after hospital discharge. More patients in the TRT group experienced less pain on postoperative day (POD) 1 and at the post-operative office follow-up. Blood loss and bruising was less in the TRT group on POD 2; however, there was no statistical significance. The application of APG seems to confer beneficial effects on pain, blood loss, and bruising. However, further studies with a greater sample size are needed to power significant differences.

Definitive Closure of the Infected Median Sternotomy Wound

Mediastinitis and sternal wound dehiscence are devastating and life-threatening complications of median sternotomy incision. Ten consecutive patients between July 2001 and May 2005 were diagnosed with sternal wound infection and dehiscence following median sternotomy. Patients were managed by precise debridement and wound excision in the operating room and then dressed with vacuum-assisted closure device. Intravenous antibiotics were prescribed for wound and blood culture microbiological sensitivity. When wounds were bacteriologically controlled, patients returned to the operating room for definitive closure using rigid sternal plating. All patients were extubated postoperatively. No patients died. Average total hospital stay was 21 days. The pectoralis advancement flap was exclusively used for soft tissue reconstruction in 7 patients. There were 2 cases of chronic superficial sternal infection requiring plate removal; however, bony union of the sternum was achieved in all patients. This treatment algorithm provides a useful management strategy for patients with complicated median sternotomy.

Incidence of Sternal Infection in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting

Bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) bypass grafts have advantages over single internal thoracic artery (SITA) bypass grafts in the medium term, particularly in diabetics. However, the perceived higher sternal complication rates seen in diabetics have led many surgeons to avoid the use of BITA surgery. The aim of our study was to assess the validity of this approach by assessing the incidence of sternal infections over a 10-year period in one institution. A retrospective analysis was made of our coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients over a 10-year period (7,581 patients). Nine hundred and twenty-two of the patients were diabetics (261 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]). Of the insulin-dependent diabetics, 166 had SITA, and 95 had BITA grafts. There was no significant difference in this subgroup in terms of gender, preoperative angina, dyspnea class, left ventricular function, and number of distal anastomoses. Comparing the rates of sternal wound complications of SITA and BITA in IDDM are the following: (1) superficial sternal infection, 6.6% in SITA, 1.1% in BITA (p = 0.04); (2) deep sternal infection, 1.2% in SITA, 3.2% in BITA (p = 0.27); (3) sternal dehiscence, 1.2% in SITA, 3.2% in BITA (p = 0.27). Our data do not support the perception that BITA grafting increases the risk of sternal complications in insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

Vacuum-Assisted Closure for Sternal Wounds: A First-Line Therapeutic Management Approach

Vacuum-assisted closure therapy has gained widespread use since its introduction in 1997. Previous studies have attributed significant benefit to its use for treatment of sternal wounds with or without mediastinitis. Management of sternal wounds with this therapy has been shown to decrease the number of dressing changes, reduce the time between débridement and definitive closure, and reduce costs associated with a protracted course of in-hospital dressing changes. The therapy has been used both as a bridge between débridement and definitive closure and as a catalyst to secondary sternal-wound healing. The authors performed a retrospective review of 103 patients who underwent vacuum-assisted closure therapy after median sternotomy between June of 1999 and March of 2004 at a single institution. The wounds were classified as sterile wounds, superficial sternal infections, and mediastinitis. The wound closure device, consisting of a polyurethane sponge and evacuation tube with in-line suction, was applied sterilely to all wounds over a layer of Acticoat. Vacuum-assisted closure was utilized in the treatment of sternal wounds for 103 patients (67 male patients and 36 female patients) whose mean age was 52 years (range, 3 months to 91 years). Patient comorbidities included diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, immunosuppression, and others. Sixty-four percent of the patients had a diagnosis of mediastinitis; 36 percent had either superficial infections or a sterile wound. The therapy was utilized for an average period of 11 days per patient. Sixty-eight percent of the patients (70 of 103) had definitive chest closure with open reduction internal fixation and/or flap closure. The remaining 32 percent had no definitive closure method. The overall mortality rate was 28 percent (29 of 103 patients), although no deaths were directly related to use of the therapy, and only four deaths resulted from sepsis as a consequence of mediastinitis. The authors report the largest series of patients treated with this therapy for post-sternotomy sternal wounds and believe it is safe and effective as a first-line therapy in the management of sternal wounds. The mortality rate from their study represents the patients' underlying disease process and comorbidities and is not a reflection of complications associated with the therapy. Vacuum-assisted closure therapy has been shown to decrease wound edema, decrease the time to definitive closure, and reduce wound bacterial colony counts. The authors have implemented the therapy for most patients with sternal wounds/mediastinitis at their institution, and believe it should be a standard protocol in the first-line management of these types of wounds.

Discussion

Background: Vacuum-assisted closure therapy has gained widespread use since its introduction in 1997. Previous studies have attributed significant benefit to its use for treatment of sternal wounds with or without mediastinitis. Management of sternal wounds with this therapy has been shown to decrease the number of dressing changes, reduce the time between debridement and definitive closure, and reduce costs associated with a protracted course of in-hospital dressing changes. The therapy has been used both as a bridge between debridement and definitive closure and as a catalyst to secondary sternal-wound healing. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of 103 patients who underwent vacuum-assisted closure therapy after median stemotomy between June of 1999 and March of 2004 at a single institution. The wounds were classified as sterile wounds, superficial sternal infections, and mediastinitis. The wound closure device, consisting of a polyurethane sponge and evacuation tube with inline suction, was applied sterilely to all wounds over a layer of Acticoat. Results: Vacuum-assisted closure was utilized in the treatment of sternal wounds for 103 patients (67 male patients and 36 female patients) whose mean age was 52 years (range, 3 months to 91 years). Patient comorbidities included diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, immunosuppression, and others. Sixty-four percent of the patients had a diagnosis of mediastinitis; 36 percent had either superficial infections or a sterile wound. The therapy was utilized for an average period of 11 days per patient. Sixty-eight percent of the patients (70 of 103) had definitive chest closure with open reduction internal fixation and/or flap closure. The remaining 32 percent had no definitive closure method. The overall mortality rate was 28 percent (29 of 103 patients), although no deaths were directly related to use of the therapy, and only four deaths resulted from sepsis as a consequence of mediastinitis. Conclusions: The authors report the largest series of patients treated with this therapy for post-sternotomy sternal wounds and believe it is safe and effective as a first-line therapy in the management of sternal wounds. The mortality rate from their study represents the patients' underlying disease process and comorbidities and is not a reflection of complications associated with the therapy. Vacuum-assisted closure therapy has been shown to decrease wound edema, decrease the time to definitive closure, and reduce wound bacterial colony counts. The authors have implemented the therapy for most patients with sternal wounds/mediastinitis at their institution, and believe it should be a standard protocol in the first-line management of these types of wounds.

The Effect of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting on Superficial and Deep Sternal Infection: The Role of Skeletonization

The Effect of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting on Superficial and Deep Sternal Infection: The Role of Skeletonization

The effect of bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting on superficial and deep sternal infection: The role of skeletonization

To determine the relative risk of sternal dehiscence in patients undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting and to assess whether and to what extent the technique of artery skeletonization might reduce this risk. Prospectively collected data on patients undergoing coronary artery bypass operations with at least a single internal thoracic artery were reviewed. The last 450 patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts were compared with 450 patients who received a single internal thoracic artery during the same period. The left internal thoracic artery was always harvested in a pedicled fashion. Among patients receiving a bilateral internal thoracic artery, both arteries were harvested in a pedicled fashion in 300 cases, whereas both internal thoracic arteries were skeletonized in the remaining 150 cases. Compared with a single internal thoracic artery, harvesting both internal thoracic arteries either in a skeletonized or in a pedicled fashion increased the chance of deep (1.1% vs 3.3% vs 4.7%; P = .01) or superficial (4.8% vs 7.8% vs 12%; P = .002) sternal infection. However, the technique of artery harvesting (odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-12.1); the presence of peripheral arteriopathy (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-8.5), and resternotomy for bleeding (odds ratio, 8.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-33.6) were the only independent predictors for deep sternal infection, whereas the technique of artery harvesting (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-5.4), female sex (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.2), and diabetes (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.9) were the only independent predictors of superficial sternal infection. In diabetic patients, there was no difference in the incidence of deep sternal infection among patients receiving a single internal thoracic artery or double skeletonized internal thoracic arteries ( P = .4). Bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting carries a higher risk of sternal infection than harvesting a single internal thoracic artery. Skeletonization of both internal thoracic arteries significantly decreases this risk. A strategy of bilateral thoracic artery grafting can also be offered to patients at high risk for wound infection.

Sternal wound and mediastinal infections in infants with congenital heart disease.

The objective was to describe the epidemiologic, clinical, bacteriologic and therapeutic features of seven infants who developed sternal wound and mediastinal infections following palliation and/or repair procedures for congenital heart disease. A retrospective chart review was used. All infants with sternal wound and mediastinal infections were < 30 days of age at the initial operative procedure. Six of the infants had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and one had complete transposition. Two infants required delayed closure of their chest wound. Three infants had superficial sternal infections and presented at a mean of 12 days postoperatively. Four infants had infection of the deep mediastinal structures: they were all asymptomatic and had purulent collections in their mediastinum at their second palliative operation, which was performed at a mean of 120 days after the initial surgery. Staphylococcus aureus, or coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, was isolated from the wound and/or blood of six infants. All infants with mediastinal infections were managed with operative debridement. Infants with superficial infections underwent local debridement. All infants received long-term intravenous antibiotics. Mediastinal infections in infants undergoing palliative staged procedures for congenital heart lesions may be chronic and indolent, resulting in delayed repair of congenital heart lesions.