Journal article
Impact of vacuum-assisted closure therapy on outcomes of sternal wound dehiscence
V Tarzia, M Carrozzini, G Bortolussi, E Buratto, J Bejko, M Comisso, V Mescola, V Penzo, M Guarino, M De Franceschi, C Pagnin, M Castoro, C Guglielmi, L Testolin, T Bottio, G Gerosa
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery | OXFORD UNIV PRESS | Published : 2014
DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivu101
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Sternal wound dehiscence (SWD) after cardiac surgery is a rare but serious condition associated with considerable costs and morbidity. We sought to evaluate the results of the introduction of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in the management of sternal wound dehiscence, compared with those of previous conventional treatments. METHODS: We retrospectively collected 7148 patients who underwent cardiac surgery at our institution between January 2002 and June 2012. A total of 152 (2.1%) patients had a sternal wound dehiscence: 107 were treated with conventional treatments (Group A) and 45 were managed with VAC therapy (Group B). Patients were stratified according to preoperative..
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