PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate a new, flexible suture cerclage tape for
sternal closure after cardiac surgery. DESCRIPTION: Fiber Tape (Arthrex,
Naples, FL, USA) suture cerclage has been successfully utilized in the
stabilization of long bone fractures. For sternal closure, it is placed
similarly to wire cerclage. Uniquely, it allows a measurable amount of
tension to be applied to the sternum and it is at least twice as strong
as stainless steel wire. We hypothesized this new flexible tape would
provide short term safety and efficacy, as measured by incidence of deep
sternal wound infection. EVALUATION: We performed a retrospective,
single center analysis of adult patients undergoing sternotomy closure
with FT. The observed incidence of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI)
was compared to the expected incidence calculated through the Society of
Thoracic Surgery (STS) risk calculator. A total of 45 patients were
closed with FT. No patients suffered DSWI. Thirty of the 45 patients had
STS risk calculations. For these 30 patients, the expected rate of DSWI
was 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite study limitations, FT appears to be a
safe method for sternal closure.
Improved results of the vacuum assisted closure and Nitinol clips sternal closure after postoperative deep sternal wound infection
