Titanium plate fixation for sternal dehiscence in major cardiac surgery

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

INTRODUCTION

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSION

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.

Sternal wound tuberculosis following cardiac operations: a review

Objective

The diagnosis and treatment of sternal wound infections with mycobacteria are challenging. Such an infection is often associated with a delayed diagnosis and improper treatment that may lead to a worsened clinical outcome. The present study is designed to highlight its clinical features so as to facilitate a prompt diagnosis and timely treatment.

Methods

MEDLINE, Highwire Press, and Google search engine were searched for publications in the English language, with no time limit, reporting on sternal wound infection caused by tuberculosis after cardiac surgery.

Results

A total of 12 articles reporting on 14 patients were included in this study. Coronary artery bypass grafting was the underlying surgical procedure in more than half of the cases. Purulent discharge and cold abscess were the two main presenting symptoms. Diagnosis of sternal wound infection was evidenced in all 14 patients by different investigations, with culture of samples being the most sensitive method of identifying the pathogen. Good response to first-line anti-tuberculous agents was noted. Almost all patients required surgical debridement/resection and, sometimes, sternal reconstruction. A delayed diagnosis of sternal wound infection may lead to repeated recurrences. A comparison between patients with sternal wound infection due to tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections showed that the former infections took an even longer period of time. Comparisons also revealed patients with sternal tuberculosis infection had a significantly higher mortality than patients with sternal non-tuberculous infection (29.2% vs. 0%, P=0.051).

Conclusion

Sternal infection caused by tuberculosis after cardiac surgery has a longer latency, better response to first-line drugs, and better outcomes in comparison with non-tuberculous sternal infection. Early diagnosis and early anti-tuberculous treatment can surely improve the patients' prognosis.

Technical Modifications to Prevent Massive Hemothorax Following Sternal Plating

We report two cases of life-threatening massive hemothorax after titanium plate fixation. We propose a modification of this technique using smaller plates that span the sternal bone but do not encroach upon the cartilage of the ribcage.