Novel application of vacuum assisted closure technique to the treatment of sternotomy wound infection

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2000 Apr;17(4):482-4. doi: 10.1016/s1010-7940(00)00349-3.

Abstract

Infection of the sternotomy wound is a potentially devastating and sometimes lethal complication following cardiac surgery. Established treatment may involve a combination of debridement, packing, delayed closure, plastic reconstruction, re-wiring and irrigation dependent on the severity of infection. Vacuum assisted closure, originally adopted for the treatment of non-healing wounds, has recently gained popularity among various surgical specialities in managing complex wound infection. Here we describe this novel technique of managing postoperative sternal wound infection.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Debridement / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occlusive Dressings
  • Pressure
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sternum / surgery*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / therapy*
  • Thoracotomy / adverse effects
  • Thoracotomy / methods
  • Vacuum
  • Wound Healing / physiology