Approaches to sternal osteosynthesis in poststernotomy complications management

Failure of sternal suture after median sternotomy is a severe cardiac surgery complication causing respiratory dysfunction and contributing to superficial and mediastinal infection affecting patients' survival. Perioperative risk factors for sternal dehiscence include the approaches to sternal osteosynthesis and type of suture material. To improve respiratory biomechanics and quality of life in patients with postoperative sternal instability without infection as well as in patients with postoperative sterno-mediastinitis, sternal osteosynthesis is a relevant final step of treatment after elimination of the infection. To achieve that, various suture and wound closure materials are used. Stainless steel wire or polyester material sternal sutures are common, but they are often cheese-wire tissues due to chest motions leading to cascade of complications and requiring reoperations. Therefore, new approaches and systems for restoration of sternal integrity continue to be developed. This article reviews currently available sternal resynthesis methods used for treatment and prevention of sternal sternotomy complications.