Spool-like stent for the open sternum after cardiac operations

An effective device to keep the sternum open

Delayed sternal closure following cardiothoracic surgery facilitates the treatment of heart failure and arrhythmias caused by sternal closure, and also allows access to treat uncontrollable bleeding. The present study examines the use of stents made from disposable syringes for keeping the sternum open. The syringes demonstrated good strength, as well as resistance to tapping during pulmonary physical therapy and stability against body movement necessary to prevent the formation of decubitus ulcers. Thus, the proposed stent provides an inexpensive, easy, and effective method for keeping the sternum open.

Temporary stenting of the sternum after difficult cardiac operations

Stenting the sternum may be essential to keep the sternal edges apart and optimize the hemodynamics in some patients, after cardiac operations. We have devised an effective stent that can be prepared very quickly from the equipment available in the operating room.