Use of an Extracellular Matrix Patch for Sternal Wound Dehiscence after Cardiac Surgery in a Neonate

• Published in: Texas Heart Institute journal Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 176 - 178
• Main Authors: Boulemden, Anas, Speggiorin, Simone, Pelella, Giuseppe, Lotto, Attilio A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Texas Heart® Institute, Houston 01.06.2018
• Subjects: Cardiac Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Case Reports; Extracellular Matrix - transplantation; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Sternum; Surgical Wound Dehiscence - therapy; Wound Closure Techniques; wound healing; extracellular matrix/transplantation; heart defects, congenital/surgery; infant, newborn; treatment outcome; pericardium/surgery; Cardiac surgical procedures/methods
• ISSN: 0730-2347; 1526-6702
• DOI: 10.14503/THIJ-17-6239

Management of sternal wound dehiscence in newborns after cardiac operations can be a slow and lengthy process, during which the risk of progression to deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis remains a concern. We report the case of a neonate born with single-ventricle physiology who underwent a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure as first-stage palliation toward creating Fontan circulation. The postoperative period was characterized by sterile wound dehiscence of the subcutaneous layers. We used a CorMatrix extracellular matrix patch as an adjunct to repair the wound defect. After 7 weeks, the wound had healed with excellent results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of extracellular matrix patch implantation for sternal wound reconstruction in a neonate.