Optics

Physics

Surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery

Intensive care medicine

Debridement (dental)

Cardiac surgery

Median sternotomy

Mediastinitis

Wound infection

Surgical debridement

General surgery

Incidence (geometry)

Medicine

Complication

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of median sternotomy performed in cardiac surgery. The incidence of DSWI is reported to be between 0.2% and 3%. Identifying high-risk patients and strategies to optimize risk factors plays an important role in reducing the incidence of DSWI. Management of DSWI can be complex and may require a multidisciplinary team approach involving infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, as well as cardiothoracic and plastic surgeons. Early detection, appropriate antibiotic treatment, aggressive surgical debridement, and use of regional muscle flaps have significantly improved treatment outcomes.

Deep Sternal Wound Infection: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention