Combination plate and band fixation for primary closure in bilateral lung transplantation

Joel C. Boudreaux, Marian Urban, David B. Berkheim, Michael J. Moulton, Bronwyn L. Small, Heather M. Strah, Aleem Siddique

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Sternal complications are common following transverse thoracosternotomy in patients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation. We present a single-institution experience using a next generation rigid fixation system for primary sternal closure following transverse sternotomy for bilateral lung transplantation. Methods: Retrospective review was performed on all patients who had bilateral sequential lung transplants utilizing a transverse thoracosternotomy from 2016 to 2020. Demographics, baseline characteristics, peri-operative data, and outcomes were collected, reviewed and summarized. Two groups of patients were identified: wire cerclage (Group A), combination plate-and-band rigid fixation (Group B). The primary outcome was sternal complications, which were divided into mechanical and non-mechanical. Results: Twenty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Three patients (13.6%) were in Group A, nineteen patients (86.4%) in Group B. Two patients in each Group A (66.6%) and Group B (10.5%) experienced a sternal complication. Sternal complications included sternal dehiscence (2), sternal malunion (1), and surgical site infection (1). One patient with plate-and-band fixation (5.2%) had a mechanical sternal complication. Three patients required reoperation secondary to sternal complication. Conclusions: The utilization of a combination plate-and-band rigid fixation system for primary closure is safe and may be an effective method to reduce sternal complications following transverse thoracosternotomy for lung transplantation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3085-3091
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of cardiac surgery
Volume36
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

Keywords

  • transplant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Combination plate and band fixation for primary closure in bilateral lung transplantation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this