The first clinical experinence of using the cold-plasma sternal saw

The objective of the present study was to perform the efficacy analysis of the application of the sternal saw with the coldplasma tip compared to the standard saw. The study included 39 patients with the average age of 58±6.2 years. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the method of sternotomy: the main group included 20 patients (sternotomy by cold-plasma tip sternal saw); the control group included 19 patients (sternotomy by standard saw). In all the patients, we evaluated the initial condition of a sternal bone, the impact of coblation on the incised tissues, indicators of a postoperative sternal bone consolidation, individual intolerance to the method and the volume of blood loss during sternotomy. Application of the new device reduced the time of surgical approach; decreased the loss of blood volume during sternotomy by seven times on average; reduced the depth and extent of tissue damage according to the histological examination; reduced the pain intensity in the postoperative period (evaluated by the numerical rating scale). Application of the cold-plasma tip sternal saw for sternotomy compared to the standard method may be considered preferable due to its less traumaticity, shorter duration of sternotomy as well as less blood loss. It promotes faster healing of a sternum bone, reducing the incidence of postoperative complications.