Sternal Wound Management in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients: A Novel Strategic Interprofessional Approach

OBJECTIVEInformation on sternal wound management in children after cardiac surgery is limited. The authors formulated a pediatric sternal wound care schematic incorporating concepts of interprofessional wound care and the wound bed preparation paradigm including negative-pressure wound therapy and surgical techniques to expedite and streamline wound care in children.METHODSAuthors assessed knowledge about sternal wound care among nurses, surgeons, intensivists, and physicians in a pediatric cardiac surgical unit regarding the latest concepts such as wound bed preparation, NERDS and STONEES criteria for wound infection, and early use of negative-pressure wound therapy or surgery. Management pathways for superficial and deep sternal wounds and a wound progress chart were prepared and introduced in practice after education and training.RESULTSThe cardiac surgical unit team members demonstrated a lack of knowledge about the current concepts of wound care, although this improved after education. The newly proposed management pathway/algorithm for superficial and deep sternal wounds and a wound progress assessment chart were introduced into practice. Results in 16 observed patients were encouraging, leading to complete healing and no mortality.CONCLUSIONSManaging pediatric sternal wounds after cardiac surgery can be streamlined by incorporating evidence-based current wound care concepts. In addition, the early introduction of advanced care techniques with appropriate surgical closure further improves outcomes. A management pathway for pediatric sternal wounds is beneficial.