Sternal wound infections following open heart surgery - a review

Scand Cardiovasc J. 2016 Oct-Dec;50(5-6):341-348. doi: 10.1080/14017431.2016.1180427. Epub 2016 May 20.

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common complications after open heart surgery. Fortunately, most are superficial and respond to minor wound debridement and antibiotics. However, 1-3% of patients develop deep sternal wound infections that can be fatal. Late infections with sternocutaneous fistulas, are encountered less often, but represent a complex surgical problem. This evidence-based review covers etiology, risk factors, prevention and treatment of sternal SSIs following open heart surgery with special focus on advances in treatment, especially negative-pressure wound therapy.

Keywords: Cardiac surgery; prognosis; risk factors; surgical site infections; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / mortality
  • Cutaneous Fistula / microbiology
  • Cutaneous Fistula / therapy
  • Debridement*
  • Humans
  • Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy*
  • Reoperation
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Sternotomy / adverse effects*
  • Sternotomy / mortality
  • Surgical Wound Infection / microbiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / mortality
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents