Use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy may prevent post-sternotomy wound complications
Sternal wound infections (SWI) are uncommon but severe complications after cardiac surgery. This condition is associated with high mortality rates. Various strategies have been implemented to reduce the incidence of SWI, such as using rigid longitudinal sternal closures, administering topical antimicrobials, local antibiotics with prolonged release, etc. Despite these, the prevalence of SWI remains significant, with most studies reporting an incidence of 1% to 6%.
According to a recent study published in The American Journal of Surgery, standardized wound care protocol, including the universal application of negative pressure wound therapy ( NPWT )for cardiac surgery patients with median sternotomy, is an independent predictor of decreased sternal infection rates.
SWI is a source of morbidity and mortality following median sternotomy. The impact of incisional NPWT in prevention has yet to be elucidated.
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