Aorto-esophageal fistula: successful open surgical management of two cases.

An aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare yet life-threatening cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We report our experience with open surgical management of two cases of AEF. Both cases presented with almost identical presentations: hematemesis and hemodynamic instability.

Sternal bands for closure of midline sternotomy leads to better wound healing.

Midline sternotomy is the most common incision for cardiac surgery, but problems of wound healing and sternal instability are still matters of concern. The use of stainless steel wires only was compared with the use of wires plus sternal bands for closure of midline sternotomy wounds in a 2-year period. Of 370 patients in whom only stainless steel wires were used, 14 (3.