Substantial evidence exists to support a long-term survival benefit with bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) revascularization in coronary artery bypass grafting. However, this technique remains grossly underutilized worldwide and especially in the United States. In this review, we discuss evidence for the advantages of BITA grafting as well as the associated the risk of sternal wound com...

PURPOSE To assess whether a combined treatment of low-frequency (25 kHz) ultrasonic-debridement systems followed by vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAC) produces a better outcome in deep sternal wound infections (SWIs) compared to that of VAC alone. METHODS We evaluated 45 consecutive patients (25 males) between January 2013 and December 2016, in whom deep SWI was treated with a combination of...

BACKGROUND To determine the rate and risk factors of three operative complications (renal failure, pneumonia, and sternal wound infection) within 30 days after isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS Medical records of 1,046 consecutive patients between the years 2005 and 2009 were reviewed. Demographic data and peri-operative information were collected and analyzed. Univariate and m...

BACKGROUND Heart rupture resulting in lethal bleeding is a devastating complication associated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients with deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). We have previously reported that the use of a protective HeartShield device in combination with NPWT decreases the risk of damage to the heart. This article presents a retrospective analysis of NPWT durat...