Triemli Hospital in Zurich Confirms Posthorax Vest Results in “Significant Reduction” in Infections

Posthorax vest reduces sternal infections after bypass surgery

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An extensive independent study was carried out in Triemli Hospital in Zurich to determine the effectiveness of various strategies to reduce sternal (breastbone) infections after heart surgery such as heart bypasses.

Sternal infections are a major cause of morbidity (a diseased or unhealthy state) and mortality in patients who undergo heart surgery. It also often leads to an extended stay in the hospital, which is extremely costly (1) to the patient, the hospital, and insurance companies.

The study analyzed data for two groups of patients. In the second group, the hospital had introduced evidence-based practices to help reduce sternal infections. These practices included education on different hand disinfection techniques, sternal and skin closure techniques, and the use of the Posthorax support vest for post-cardiac-surgery patients. (2)

The study analyzed data from 1,689 patients—1,250 in the first group and 439 in the second group. The primary major procedure during the test period was off-pump coronary bypass, also known as “beating heart” surgery because a “heart-lung machine” is not used to keep the blood pumping through the body. Other procedures included valve surgery and combined bypass and valve surgery.

The study reported a “significant reduction” in both “presternal” (near the front of the sternum) and deep sternal infections in the group that wore the Posthorax support vest, despite an increase in complex surgical procedures in that group.

Sources:

Perioperative Management and Strategies to Decrease Sternal Wound Infection, H. Loblein at al, Universitares Herzzentrum Zurich, Triemli

(1) https://posthorax.net/article?id=14&lng=en (2) www.posthorax.com