DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2026.v14i05.025

Pages: 967-971

Sternal wound breakdown poses a serious and challenging complication for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In the context of patients undergoing a conventional coronary artery bypass grafting via primary median sternotomy, the occurrence of sternal wound breakdown is a serious and costly complication resulting in prolonged hospitalisation and increasing risk of mortality. The role of negative pressure wound therapy[NPWT] in promoting granulation has been well established, however, more recent implementation of a NPWT with instillation therapy has shown to improve infection control and promote quicker wound healing. We describe the use of NPWT with instillation therapy, using the Lifotronic NPWT system[NP-800/600]. Dermasyn was used as instillation fluid. Instillation time was set at 15 minutes every 4 hourly for both patients.