Feasibility of open chest management with modified negative pressure wound therapy immediately after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of open chest management with our modified negative pressure wound therapy immediately after cardiac surgery as a therapy for atypical tamponade. METHODS: Open chest with modified negative pressure wound therapy was performed immediately after cardiac surgery. The surface of the heart and the vessels were covered with non-adherent siliconized gauze. The sternal halves were stented using edge-cut disposable syringes to maintain a larger mediastinal cavity. Approximately 45 mm of distance was kept between the sternal edges. A trimmed sterile polyvinyl foam sponge was inserted into the mediastinum, the entire wound was sealed and negative pressure (−50 to −75 mmHg) was applied using a suction generator. Delayed chest closure was performed in a standard manner once the haemodynamic status was stabilizsed. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 3/15 (20%) patients. Deep sternal wound infection occurred in 1/15 (6.7%) patients. Five patients were extubated during the open chest management. Sternal closure was delayed for median of 3 days after the initial surgery. There was no incidence of bleeding complications or need for additional haemostatic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Negative pressure wound therapy performed immediately after cardiac surgery was feasible in our small number of patients. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Study ID: 2020-149.