Hyaluronate-Iodine Complex for Management of Complex Sternal Wounds After a Cardiac Operation

Hyaluronate-Iodine Complex: A New Adjunct for the Management of Complex Sternal Wounds After a Cardiac Operation

Article specifications

This study was published in 2011 in Journal of Arch Surg (IF 2016: 7.956) by American surgeons. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy and safety of hyaluronate-iodine in the treatment of sternal wounds. 8 patients with sternal wound dehiscence were entered into the study. After debridement, wounds were dressed with gauze soaked in hyaluronate-iodine. In one patient with an epipleural abscess, hyaluronate-iodine was instilled directly into the abscess cavity daily. Patients discharged from the hospital were treated in the outpatient clinic every second week until wound healing was complete. The hyaluronate-iodine dressing was changed daily by a specially trained nurse or physician. The outcomes evaluated included time to complete wound closure, proportion of patients achieving wound closure, and complications.

 

Results

Complete healing was achieved in 7 patients, and 1 patient underwent a reconstructive operation for wound closure. The mean (SD) length of treatment was 136 (114.2) days. No adverse effects or complications were apparent in this group. Hyaluronate-iodine is safe and effective in healing sternal wound dehiscence. Despite the added difficulty imposed by cardiac perforation in 2 patients, complete wound healing was accomplished without further complications.