Ultrasound-assisted treatment of sternocutaneous fistula in post-sternotomy cardiac surgery patients.

Objectives: Using an ultrasonic debridement system (low frequency, 25 kHz), we aimed to completely remove bacterial biofilms and preserve vital sternal tissue and to compare this procedure with conventional surgical therapy.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated 37 consecutive patients (25 males) between April 2011 and June 2013 in whom sternocutaneous fistula (SCF) was treated with the ultrasound-assisted wound (UAW) system (Group A, n = 18) or with conventional surgical therapy (Group B, n = 19). Treatment in Group A consisted of a complete dissection of the SCF followed by a multistep UAW debridement session after an interval of 3 days.