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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1999;16:353-355
© 1999 Elsevier Science NL

How to do it

Routine sternal closure using interlocking multitwisted wires

^a Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK
^b Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK
^c Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK

Corresponding author. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Castlehill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, UK. Tel.: +44-1482-875-875 ext. 3649; fax: +44-1482-623-257

We describe a method of sternal closure that enhances sternal stabilization and minimizes bleeding from sternal fractures caused by retraction. With the technique of interlocking multitwisted wires the initial placement of the wire sutures is the same as in traditional sternal closure, however the twisting technique is improved, with multiple twisting including four twisted strands. Our method of closure is effective, simple and quick to perform and has several advantages over conventional or figure-of-eight closure. This closure is also biomechanically more rigid than conventional or figure-of-eight closure. We therefore recommend routine sternal closure using interlocking multitwisted wires.

Key Words: Sternotomy • Wires • Biomechanics

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