How do you close a median sternotomy?

The standard procedure for closing the sternal incision is to place chest drains in the thoracic cavity before using wire sutures to secure the sternum. In general, two wire sutures are placed around the manubrium and four are placed around the edges of the body of the sternum.

What is the correct position for a median sternotomy incision?

The sternotomy should be made on the midline of the sternum after detecting the lateral margin of the sternum by dipping the thumb and the index finger into the intercostal space. Off-midline sternotomy may cause the closure wires to cut through the thinner segment of the bone, which may cause wound infection.

What is median sternotomy?

Median sternotomy is a type of surgical procedure in which a vertical inline incision is made along the sternum, after which the sternum itself is divided, or “cracked”.

How is the sternum closed?

Patients will have their sternum closed using stainless steel wires. Patients will have their sternum closed by rigid fixation using Sternalock plates. Patients will have their sternum closed by rigid fixation using Starnalock plates. Patients will have their sternum closed by rigid fixation using Sternalock plates.

What is antegrade cardioplegia?

When solution is introduced into the aortic root (with an aortic cross-clamp on the distal aorta to limit systemic circulation), this is called antegrade cardioplegia. When introduced into the coronary sinus, it is called retrograde cardioplegia.

How does a sternotomy work?

A sternotomy is a procedure that allows your doctor to reach your heart or nearby organs and blood vessels. First the doctor made a cut (incision) in the skin over your breastbone (sternum). Then the doctor cut through your sternum. When your surgery was finished, the doctor reconnected your sternum.

What tool is used for sternotomy?

A sternal saw is a bone cutter used to perform median sternotomy, opening the patient’s chest by splitting the breastbone, or sternum.

What is used to close sternum after open heart surgery?

Again, sternum wires (aka sternal wires) are used to close the breastbone following the surgical procedure on the heart.

What holds the sternum together after open heart surgery?

After the surgery, your surgeon must repair your sternum by returning the bone to its proper place. Usually, a strong wire is used to hold the bone together while healing occurs.