sternotoomia

Sternalotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting through the sternum, or breastbone, to access the organs within the chest. This is most commonly performed during open-heart surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement, or repair of congenital heart defects. The sternum is typically divided vertically along its midline, a technique known as a median sternotomy.

Before the procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The skin over the sternum is incised, and a specialized surgical saw is used to cut through the bone. Once the sternum is divided, retractors are used to spread the two halves apart, providing the surgeon with a clear view of the heart and other thoracic structures. The heart may then be stopped and supported by a heart-lung machine, or the surgery may be performed on a beating heart depending on the specific procedure.

After the cardiac surgery is complete, the sternum is rejoined using surgical wires, which are typically left in place permanently. The overlying tissues and skin are then closed in layers. Recovery from a sternotomy involves pain management and a period of restricted physical activity to allow the sternum to heal properly, which can take several weeks. While sternotomy is a common and generally safe procedure, potential complications can include infection, bleeding, or delayed sternal healing. Alternative less invasive surgical approaches are being developed and utilized for certain cardiac conditions, aiming to reduce the need for a full sternotomy.