Vacuum-assisted closure for pediatric post-sternotomy mediastinitis: are low negative pressures sufficient?

Abstract

We present 3 cases of pediatric post-sternotomy mediastinitis treated by a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC). The patients 2 girls, aged 6 months and 10 months, and a 2-year-old boy. The onset of infection was at 9, 14, and 32 postoperative days. The culture examination detected coagulase-negative Staphylococci strains in 2 cases, and Staphylococcus aureus in 1 case. A VAC was performed at -50 mm Hg for 10, 12, and 7 days. The wounds were closed without vascularized soft tissue. A VAC under a low negative pressure is a useful and safe procedure for the management of pediatric post-sternotomy mediastinitis.