Reduction in deep sternal wound infection with use of a peristernal cable-tie closure system: a retrospective case series.

Background: Deep sternal wound infections are a rare but serious complication after median sternotomy. We evaluated the incidence of deep sternal wound infection associated with two techniques for sternal closure.

Methods: In this retrospective case series, we recorded the method of sternal closure in consecutive patients undergoing a variety of cardiothoracic surgical procedures.

Histology of CorMatrix bioscaffold 5 years after pericardial closure.

CorMatrix is a non-crosslinked, acellular bioscaffold used for pericardial closure and cardiac tissue repair. A redo sternotomy 5 years after bypass grafting and pericardial reconstruction afforded the opportunity to explant the bioscaffold and examine it histologically. Consistent with preclinical evidence, pathology results showed that the bioscaffold had remodeled into viable, fully cellularized, vascularized, non-fibrotic connective tissue similar to native pericardium.