J Cardiothorac Surg
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J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2007
Comparative StudyRisk factors for mediastinitis after cardiac surgery - a retrospective analysis of 1700 patients.
Mediastinitis is a rare, but serious complication of cardiac surgery. It has a significant socioeconomic impact and high morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine pre-, intra-, and postoperative predictors of mediastinitis. ⋯ The present study suggests that bilateral IMA grafting, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity are important predictors of mediastinitis.