What Researchers Did
A retrospective study evaluated the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunctive treatment for sternal infection and osteomyelitis following median sternotomy.
What They Found
Among 12 patients with sternal infection after cardiothoracic surgery, 6 received additional hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. Patients receiving HBO2 therapy had significantly shorter ICU stays (8.7 ± 2.7 days vs. 48.8 ± 10.5 days), shorter durations of invasive and non-invasive ventilation, and lower hospital mortality (0 cases vs. 3 cases) compared to those without HBO2.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing sternal infection and osteomyelitis after cardiothoracic surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy could potentially serve as a safe adjunctive treatment. This may lead to improved clinical outcomes, including shorter hospital stays and reduced mortality.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted in Taiwan.
Study Limitations
This retrospective study involved a very small sample size of only 12 patients, limiting the generalizability of its findings.