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Abstract Introduction Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after midline sternotomy of cardiac surgery is a challenging complication that affects the outcome of surgery. This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of the antibiotic-loaded bone cement fixation technique combined with bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps tension-free management in the treatment of DSWI. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 5 patients with DSWI who underwent antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps for chest wall reconstruction after sternotomy for cardiac surgery in a tertiary hospital in China from January 2020 to December 2021. The clinical and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. Results All patients had no perioperative mortalities, no postoperative complications, 100% wound healing, and an average hospital stay length of 24 days. The follow-up periods were from 6 to 35 months (mean 19.6 months). None of the cases showed wound problems after initial reconstruction using antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps. Conclusions We report our successful treatment of DSWI, using antibiotic-loaded bone cement fixation technique combined with bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps tension-free management. The clinical and follow-up results are favorable.

Abstract Background Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a rare but serious complication after median sternotomy, and treatment success depends mainly on surgical experience. Traditional treatment methods for DSWI include complete debridement, vacuum sealing drainage wound therapy and sometimes transposition of muscle flap. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage on DSWI and explore the effect of this treatment on lung function. Methods Between January 2018 and December 2019, we treated 12 patients suffering a mediastinitis and open thorax using antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage. Subsequently, the blood and local concentration of antibiotic were measured. The patient characteristics, pulmonary function, were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects were followed up for 12 months. Results There were no intraoperative deaths. All patients’ healing wounds were first-stage healing without complications and reoperation, the mean hospital stay was 20.2 ± 3.5 days. Local vancomycin concentrations largely exceeded the ones needed for their efficacy while little antibiotic was found in the blood. Pulmonary function testing was improved 2 weeks after the operation. No infection reoccurred in12-month follow-up. Conclusions The antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage might be an effective method for the sternal reconstruction of deep sternal wound infection and it can improve the patient's lung function in a short time.

Abstract Background Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a rare but serious complication after median sternotomy, and treatment success depends mainly on surgical experience. Here we first present a case of a patient successfully treated for antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) of DSWI. Case presentation This case report presented a patient who underwent open heart surgery, and suffered postoperatively from a DSWI associated with enterococcus cloacae. Focus debridement combined with ALBC filling and VSD was conducted in stage I. Appropriate antibiotics were started according to sensitivity to be continued for 2 weeks until the inflammatory markers decreased to normal. One month after the surgery, patient’s wound was almost healed and was discharged from hospital with a drainage tube. Two months after the stage I surgery procedure, the major step was removing the previous ALBC, and extensive debridement in stage II. The patient fully recovered without further surgical treatment. Conclusions The results of this case suggest that ALBC combined with VSD may be a viable and safe option for deep sternal wound reconstruction.