University Medical Center Mainz Confirms “Significant Reduction” in Deep Sternal Wounds

Obese Patients

Obese heart surgery patients tend to be more susceptible to sternal (breastbone) wound-healing complications because their additional weight puts pressure on the wound, causing it to sometimes split apart.

Open heart surgery is most commonly carried out through a procedure called a median sternotomy where the breastbone (sternum) is cut in half for the surgeon to gain full access to the thoracic organs. It is an incredibly effective procedure, and the majority of complications occur during the healing phase, not during the procedure.

After the operation, the cardiac surgeon ties the two sternum halves back together using thin wire. Because of the additional weight of obese patients, the body pulls against the wound, causing it to sometimes burst open.

This requires closing the wound up again, further hospitalization, and increases costs disproportionately.

Doctors in Germany performed an independent medical study to determine if the Posthorax support vest could reduce these types of complications in obese patients during the convalescence phase.

A total of 260 patients were observed in the study. All test patients had a BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 30kg/m2. According to the study, the result “tells its own tale.” Vest users had a “significantly” lower rate of deep sternal wound complication—4.7%—while a much higher 10.7% of non-vest-users experienced deep wound complications.

The study also found that vest users had a “significant[ly] shorter stay” in ICU and “significant[ly] earlier mobilization” than the control group.

The clinic involved in the study has a standing policy to give the Posthorax vest to every obese patient who receives a median sternotomy to reduce deep wound complexities and overall costs.

Link to the study:

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0036-1571705

For more information please contact us: info@posthorax.com