The Effect of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Prophylactic Use of Postoperative Deep Sternal Wound Infection in Patients Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Single-Institutional Study

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) as a prophylactic measure to prevent deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after surgery. Methods A total of 209 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting via median sternotomy were enrolled. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to incisional care. In Group A (n = 63), the wound was covered with sterile gauze dressings alone. In Group B (n = 71), an indwelling subcutaneous drain was placed and the wound was covered with a hydrocolloid dressing. In Group C (n = 75), an indwelling subcutaneous drain was placed and the wound was covered with a ciNPWT device (PICO; Smith & Nephew). The incidence of DSWI occurring within 60 postoperative days was compared among the 3 groups. Results There were no significant differences in preoperative, operative, or postoperative variables among the groups. Postoperative DSWI occurred in 11.1% (7/63) of patients in Group A and 5.6% (4/71) of patients in Group B, whereas no patients in Group C developed DSWI. Conclusions Immediate application of NPWT was associated with a reduced rate of wound infection. This treatment may represent an effective preventive strategy.