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Ann Thorac Surg 2000;70:97-99
© 2000 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Original articles: Cardiovascular

Ten-year experience with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure

^a Department of Surgery, Cooper Hospital, University Medical Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, New Jersey, USA

Address reprint requests to Dr Puc, Cooper Hospital, University Medical Center, 3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 411, Camden, NJ 08103

Background. We were interested in reviewing our experience with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure to evaluate its overall morbidity and its impact on patient management.

Methods. We reviewed our experience with 1,039 patients undergoing median sternotomy with Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure over the past 10 years. Major wound complications, which were categorized into two groups, required in-hospital management and operative intervention. Group 1 had a sternal dehiscence alone. Group II had a major sternal infection or mediastinitis.

Results. The incidence of wound morbidity was 2.4% (n = 25). There were 6 (0.58%) sternal dehiscences (Group I) and 19 (1.8%) sternal wound infections (Group II). Patients taken to the operating room for repair of their sternal dehiscence or sternal infection were noted to have two completely intact sternal halves.

Conclusions. While wound related morbidity with Mersilene tape closure is equivalent to the historical results of conventional wire closure, dehiscence occurs in a more controlled fashion with less bony destruction. The reduction in tissue damage associated with sternal wound dehiscence and sternal infection after Mersilene-reinforced sternal wound closure makes treatment of these potentially devastating complications easier and more efficient.

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