A Simple Maneuver on Sternal Saw Facilitates to Perform Curved Sternal Mini-incisions like J- and C-Shaped Partial Sternotomies

Abstract

P>Minimal invasive approaches, including partial J- or C-shaped sternotomies, have gained a worldwide acceptance in cardiac surgical practice. To increase the cosmetic benefit and improve the surgical exposure, the length of underlying partial sternotomy is usually 3 to 5 cm longer than the length of skin incision in most of these approaches. Using a standard sternal saw or a rotary craniotome, it is quite difficult to make sternal incision under subcutaneous tissue at both ends of skin incision. Moreover, standard sternal saws do not allow doing fine manipulations on sternum that may cause inadvertent sternal cutting, especially at the curved parts of C- or J-type partial sternotomies. We removed the blade protector part of a standard sternal saw. This simple maneuver enables surgeons to perform several challenging mini-sternotomies easily for adult cardiac procedures. (J Card Surg 2009;24:454-456).