Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2003 Jun;36(6):431-435.

Irrigation-suction System for Management of Deep Sternal Wound Infection after Open Heart Surgery: Four cases

• Kim SI
• Oh SJ

Abstract

Deep sternal wound infection (with or without acute mediastinitis) is a serious complication of open heart surgery, with high rates of associated morbidity and mortality, and prolonged hospitallization. The result of treatment largely depends on timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical management. Postoperative deep sternal wound infections in 4 cases were successfully treated with extensive debridement, pressurized jet irrigation with antibiotic solution, sternal refixation by Robicsek method, and dilute antibiotic irrigation via irrigation-suction system. We report 4 cases with review of articles.

Keyword

Sternotomy; Mediastinitis; Wound infection; Irrigation

MeSH Terms

Debridement
Diagnosis
Heart*
Mediastinitis
Mortality
Sternotomy
Thoracic Surgery*
Wound Infection*
Wounds and Injuries*