Median sternotomy closure with mersileneTM ribbon: A prospective pilot study

Abstract Deep sternal infection following use of median sternotomy is reported as occurring in 2% of patients. Some sternal breakdown is associated with wires cutting through the sternum. In an attempt to avoid this, we employed broad, strong tapes for sternal closure to determine the efficacy of this technique in our hands. A total of 94 patients were prospectively entered into this study. There were 2 early deaths; the sternums were intact at the time of death. There were 4 complications in the remaining 92 patients. Three patients had would infections superficial to intact sternums. One patient had sternal dehiscence associated with snapping of the tapes. In no case did the tapes cut through the sternum. This pilot study suggests that tapes are a valid technique of sternal closure.