Improving Sternal Closure Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery: Polyethylene Suture Tapes vs. Steel Wires

Background: Steel wires are often inadequate for sternal closure for patients at high risk of sternal complications. This study compares a novel sternal closure system to conventional steel wires to assess its potential to reduce sternal complication rates and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 300 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery via median sternotomy. A total of 150 patients underwent steel wire sternal closure, while 150 underwent suture tape closure. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed for both groups. Results: Rates of sternal wound infections (1% vs. 5%, p = 0.0363) and sternal dehiscence (0% vs. 5%, p = 0.0297) were lower in the suture tape group. Suture tape patients had significantly less pain at 14 and 30 days (p = 0.0002 and 0.0071). The requirement for sternal protection adjuncts was eliminated with suture tape closure. Sternal closure time was significantly shorter in the suture tape group (11 vs. 19 min, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Suture tapes proved safe, feasible, and effective for sternal closure, demonstrating significant advantages for sternal closure over steel wires, with reduced rates of sternal dehiscence, infection, postoperative incisional pain, and closure time. These superior outcomes and the elimination of sternal protection adjuncts can potentially reduce healthcare costs. Our experiences suggest that this novel sternal closure system has significant potential, with larger prospective studies warranted to optimize sternal closure strategies.