The Duration of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Can Be Reduced Using the HeartShield Device in Patients With Deep Sternal Wound Infection.

Summary, in English

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 duration with and without the HeartShield device. Subjects and patients: The study included 6 patients treated with the HeartShield device in combination with NPWT and 6 patients treated with conventional NPWT during the same time period. The duration of active treatment time was measured. Results: The median duration of NPWT was 8 days (range: 6-14 days) in the HeartShield device NPWT group and 14 days in the conventional group (range: 10-18 days). The difference was statistically significant (P < .05). Conclusions: It appears that the treatment of patients with DSWI with the HeartShield device reduces the duration of NPWT.

• Author: Richard Ingemansson; Malin Malmsjö; Sandra Lindstedt Ingemansson
• Department/s: Thoracic Surgery; Ophthalmology, Lund
• Publishing year: 2014
• Language: English
• Pages: 16-16
• Publication/Series: Eplasty: Open Access Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Volume: 14
• Issue: Apr 3
• Full text: - 291 kB; Download statistics
• Links: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24741387?dopt=Abstract
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: HMP Global Learning
• Topic: Surgery
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1937-5719