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Multiple graft injury due to migrated non-broken sternal wires two years after cardiac surgery
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  • Takayuki Kadohama,
  • Daichi Takagi,
  • Takeshi Arai,
  • Hiroshi Yamamoto
Takayuki Kadohama
Akita University

Corresponding Author:tkadoha@med.akita-u.ac.jp

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Daichi Takagi
Akita University
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Takeshi Arai
Akita University
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Hiroshi Yamamoto
Akita University
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Abstract

Migration of sternal wires into vital structures is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. While a few cases have been reported, the sternal wires were broken in those cases. To our knowledge, this is the first report of multiple, non-broken migrated sternal wires stabbing vascular grafts. A 65-year-old woman with a long history of treatment for extended aortic pathology, which included replacement of the aortic root (Bentall procedure, coronary artery reconstruction with Piehler technique), aortic arch and thoracoabdominal aorta, as well as thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR), underwent mitral valve replacement due to severe mitral regurgitation under third median sternotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was followed as an outpatient. Two years after the surgery, she complained of anterior chest discomfort. Computed tomography (CT) revealed hemorrhaging around the vascular grafts in the mediastinum and migration of several non-broken sternal wires into the vascular grafts. We suspected graft injury due to the sternal wires, and open repair by reopening the sternotomy incision was performed. During redo sternotomy, massive bleeding occurred, so cardiopulmonary bypass was urgently established via femoral cannulation, and her body temperature was brought down. After careful dissection, tearing of the grafts at both the ascending aorta and left coronary artery was found under circulatory arrest with moderate hypothermia. Polypropylene sutures were placed to control bleeding.
10 Apr 2020Submitted to Journal of Cardiac Surgery
11 Apr 2020Submission Checks Completed
11 Apr 2020Assigned to Editor
11 Apr 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 Apr 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Apr 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
11 May 20201st Revision Received
14 May 2020Submission Checks Completed
14 May 2020Assigned to Editor
14 May 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 May 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 May 2020Editorial Decision: Accept