Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism after Sternal Reconstruction: A Single-center Retrospective Review

BACKGROUND: Deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis following sternotomy are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and often require sternal reconstruction by plastic surgeons. Despite this patient population having a substantial risk of venous thromboembolism, there are no reports of the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing sternal reconstruction. The authors sought to evaluate the incidence of venous thromboembolism in sternal reconstruction patients and to identify common risk factors for venous thromboembolism in this patient population. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was completed of all patients who underwent sternal reconstruction by plastic surgeons between January 2012 and July 2020. Demographic data, antiplatelet and anticoagulant use, 2005 Caprini score, operative time, bleeding events, and postoperative venous thromboembolism events were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were identified for analysis. The average 2005 Caprini score for the cohort was 10.9. In total, 93.2% of patients received perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy (either chemoprophylaxis or systemic). Two patients developed postoperative venous thromboembolism events, for a total venous thromboembolism rate of 4.6%. Four patients had bleeding events requiring reoperation. No deaths were reported from either of these complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing sternal reconstruction are at a high risk for venous thromboembolism and postoperative bleeding events. Despite the growing body of literature on venous thromboembolism in various surgical populations, the optimal management of thromboembolic risk in patients with high Caprini scores undergoing sternal reconstruction requires additional investigation.