Cardiopulmonary bypass line sternal wrapping for protection and haemostasis

Sternal marrow haemostasis is often obtained with the application of bone wax, with potential side effects pertaining to sternal wound healing. We illustrate an alternative technique which also offers some protection to sternal edges. Two lengths of tubing from the discarded cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit are cut longitudinally on one side. After sternotomy they are placed across each sternal edge and kept in position by two stitches and the spreader blades. They are removed just before sternal closure.