What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated their 30-year experience in treating deep sternal wound infections following cardiac surgery in 22,366 patients.
What They Found
Deep sternal wound infections occurred in 200 (0.89%) patients between 1979 and 2009. Hospital mortality was significantly higher in the earliest treatment group (Group A, 1979-1994) compared to later groups (B and C), while hospital stay and recovery markers were significantly shorter in the most recent treatment group (Group C, 2002-2009).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing cardiac surgery who develop deep sternal wound infections may benefit from modern, aggressive treatment strategies. Early surgical debridement, vacuum-assisted closure, and plastic reconstruction appear to improve survival and shorten recovery times.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted at a single center outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
As a single-center, retrospective study spanning 30 years, the findings may not be generalizable to other institutions or current practices, and changes in treatment over time could introduce confounding variables.