Braided Polyester versus Standard Wire in Sternal Closure in High Risk Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare braided polyester sternal closure versus standard wire closure in high-risk patients who are more susceptible to have deep sternal wound infections and mediastinitis after cardiac surgeries. Patients and Methods: Between February 2017 and December 2019 risk factors for postoperative deep wound infections and mediastinitis and mortality was collected for 100 adult patients undergoing open-heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients were divided to two groups, those who underwent sternal closure using either braided polyester or standard metal wire. Follow-up data on sternal wound healing and deep sternal wound infections were assessed for up to two months after surgery in the Outpatient Clinics. Results: The followingriskfactors wereassociatedwithahigherincidenceofdeepsternalwoundinfectionsandmediastinitis in both groups. There was no mortality in both groups, the number of deep sternal infection and mediastinitis with sternal dehiscence was 4 patients from group A (Ethibond) and 5 from group B (standard wire). Conclusion: This study showed that braided polyester could be used safely in sternal closure the same as standard wire in high risk patients.