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  • Title: Potential risk of sternal wires.
    Author: Shih CC, Shih CM, Su YY, Lin SJ.
    Journal: Eur J Cardiothorac Surg; 2004 May; 25(5):812-8. PubMed ID: 15082287.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To understand the potential fracture mechanism of sternal wires, we collected extracted stainless steel sternal wires from patients with sternal dehiscence following open-heart operations. Surface alterations and fractured ends of sternal wires were inspected and analyzed. METHODS: Eight fractured and 12 non-fractured wires extracted from five patients (closure method: figure-of-eight or straight twisted; two without and three with mediastinitis) with mean implantation interval of 13.2+/-4.2 days (range 8-20 days) were studied by various techniques. The extracted wires were cleaned and the fibrotic tissues were removed. Irregularities and fractured ends were assayed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). RESULTS: All examined fractured wires showed the presence of severe transversal cracks and crevice corrosion. EDAX revealed aluminum oxide inclusion on the fractured surface. CONCLUSIONS: The synergic effect of stress and poor wire quality could be the precursors of material failure for the sternal wire.
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