Dzielimy się doświadczeniem
Primary closure of the sternum using a new method in a female patient with risk of sternum closure complications

Background:
Median sternotomy is the most commonly used incision for surgical access to the heart and provides good exposure of the mediastinum. Despite the named advantages and the widespread use of wire fixation of the sternum after sternotomy is still not free of complications, especially in diabetic and osteoporotic elderly patients or patients with COPD, renal insufficiency, postoperative low cardiac output or sternum deformed due to bone disease and malformation.
Because of the risk of complications, new sternum fixation methods are needed.

Material and methods:
A 56-year female with severe aortic stenosis and chronic coronary artery disease was operated on. The Modular Sternal Cable System, Synthes, Switzerland was used. The system consists of cannulated screws, steel cable and reconstruction plates.

Results:
After completing the procedure, sternal stability was palpably confirmed. The patient was discharged from hospital after a short postoperative period with the recommendation of further rehabilitation.

Conclusions:
The optimal sternum stabilization was obtained after the procedure. Use of the Modular Sternal Cable System is intuitive and safe.