Sternal wound types after median sternotomy and reconstruction using dead space-based approach.

Background: This study aims to classify wound complications after median sternotomy and provide an up-to-date reconstructive algorithm for multidisciplinary use.

Methods: A total of 15 patients (9 males, 6 females; mean age: 68±5 years; range, 60 to 75 years) who underwent sternal reconstruction for wound complications following median sternotomy between August 2020 and October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Wound complications requiring reconstruction were classified into three categories based on the extent of the dead space caused by sternal debridement.