Effect of temporary external stabilization on ventilator weaning after sternal resection.

The role of mechanical fixation of the chest wall in the treatment of flail chest remains controversial. We report a case of flail chest resulting from major sternal resection. The application of a temporary external stabilization device improved pulmonary mechanics by decreasing the respiratory rate from 36/min to 10/min while increasing tidal volume and vital capacity from 140 +/- 85 ml and 195 +/- 90 ml, respectively, to 450 +/- 110 ml and 905 +/- 310 ml, respectively.