A modified parasternal wire technique for prevention and treatment of sternal dehiscence.

Background: Sternal dehiscence with or without mediastinitis is a devastating complication of median sternotomy. Various techniques of sternotomy closure including 'figure of eight' wire sutures, nylon bands, and custom-made titanium-H plates have been described. We have devised and tested a new method of sternal closure to prevent sternal wound complications in patients at high risk of sternal dehiscence.