The SternaLock 360 Sternal Closure Device combines the techniques of rigid fixation with a cerclage material into a single sternal closure system. The cerclage material serves to facilitate sternal approximation, and the plates and screws serve to provide rigid fixation and prevent sternal movement and separation. The combination of a cerclage material in combination with plate and screw fixation may also lead to increased stability compared to either method used as a standalone means of closure.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new technology for sternal closure that combines rigid plate fixation with a cerclage material in patients undergoing a cardiac surgery subsequent to a full median sternotomy. This study will evaluate intraoperative outcomes related to the surgical technique and performance of the device, sternal healing and stability, sternal wound complications and postoperative recovery (e.g. pain and functional status) in patients closed with this device. For comparative purposes, a control group of wire cerclage patients will be included.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
50
Sternal closure with SternaLock 360
Sternal closure with standard wire cerclage
Groote Schuur Hospital
Cape Town, South Africa
Sternal Bone Healing
Sternal bone healing score as defined by CT scan assessment at 6 months postoperatively
Time frame: 6 months
Sternal Pain
Pain scores obtained at pre-specified time points in 4 modalities: at rest, after using incentive spirometer, after ambulation and after forced coughing. Likert scale questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 3 to day 7, 1-month post-op, 3-month post-op and 6-month post-op
Analgesic usage
Tabulation of all pain medication administered in pre-specified time points
Time frame: Baseline, postoperative day 0 to day 7, 1-month post-op, 3-month post-op and 6-month post-op
Upper Extremities Functional Status
Functional status of upper extremities are evaluated using 20 items that are rated on a 5-point Likert scale known as Upper Extremity Functional Index questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline, 1-month post-op, 3-month post-op and 6-month post-op
Return to Work
Assessment of working status of patients before and after cardiac surgery using 7-categorical question questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline, 1-month post-op, 3-month post-op and 6-month post-op
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