Median sternotomy
Median sternotomy
Median sternotomy (/miːdiːən stɜːrˈnɒtəmi/; from the Latin sternon - "chest" and the Greek -tomy - "cutting") is a type of surgical procedure that involves a vertical inline incision along the sternum, after which the sternum itself is divided, or "cracked". This procedure provides access to the heart and lungs for surgical procedures such as heart transplant, coronary artery bypass surgery, and heart valve repair or replacement.
Procedure
The patient is placed under general anesthesia before the procedure begins. The surgeon makes an incision along the midline of the chest, through the skin and underlying tissue, until the sternum is reached. The sternum is then cut along its length using a special saw, allowing the two halves of the chest to be spread apart. This provides the surgeon with access to the heart and lungs.
Complications
Possible complications of a median sternotomy include infection, bleeding, injury to the heart or lungs, and sternal dehiscence (separation of the sternum). Post-operative care typically involves pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility.
Related Terms
- Thoracotomy: A surgical procedure to gain access to the chest cavity, which can be performed in several ways, including through the sternum (sternotomy).
- Sternotomy: A surgical procedure that involves cutting through the sternum. A median sternotomy is a type of sternotomy.
- Cardiothoracic surgery: The field of medicine involved in surgical treatment of diseases affecting organs inside the thorax, including the heart and lungs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Median sternotomy
- Wikipedia's article - Median sternotomy
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