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Reoperative Median Sternotomy Using a Cast Spreader
Author(s) -
Kulshrestha Pankaj,
Garb Jane L.,
Rousou John A.,
Engelman Richard M.,
Wait Richard B.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
echocardiography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1540-8175
pISSN - 0742-2822
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8175.1985.tb01273.x
Subject(s) - incidence (geometry) , medicine , median sternotomy , surgery , mathematics , geometry
A bstract Repeat median sternotomy carries a high mortality rate secondary to a higher incidence of injury to the underlying vital structures. The reported incidence of reentry accidents may be as high as 6% to 10%. We describe a new technique of redo sternotomy using a nitrogen‐powered oscillating saw and a cast spreader. The new technique was used for 89 consecutive cases without any incidence of injury to the underlying structures. The use of a case spreader during repeat median sternotomy may enhance the safety of reentry.