Journal of cardiac surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The reinforced sternal closure system is reliable to use in elderly patients.
Sternal dehiscence is a rare, but serious complication after cardiac surgery procedures when performed through mid-line sternotomy. Osteoporosis, especially at advanced age, may be a significant factor in the unfavorable results of sternum fixation. The present prospective, randomized study was carried out to evaluate whether the reinforced sternal-closure system is an effective and safe fixation and approximation of the sternum in cardiac procedures, and to compare with the conventional sternal-closure method in elderly patients. ⋯ The reinforced sternal-closure system provided no additional risk with similar postoperative pain index and postoperative hospital stay compared with conventional method. It is reliable to use in elderly patients undergoing open heart surgery, in the cases presenting a risk factor such as osteoporosis for increased incidence of sternal dehiscence.