Conclusions
Although the patient was stable at the time of sternal dehiscence and
wire fracture, he acutely decompensated prior to the planned procedure.
Fortunately, the patient was in the CVICU for respiratory concerns
allowing for immediate attention and resuscitation. This raises the
question of whether the diagnosis of sternal dehiscence with a fractured
wire should be an indication for urgent reintervention to prevent such
complications. Further investigation and innovation is required to
improve sternal closure techniques and materials in addition for the
development of protocols to recognize and manage sternal wire fractures
with sternal dehiscence.