Use of an Extracellular Matrix Patch for Sternal Wound Dehiscence after Cardiac Surgery in a Neonate

Management of sternal wound dehiscence in newborns after cardiac operations can be a slow and lengthy process, during which the risk of progression to deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis remains a concern. We report the case of a neonate born with single-ventricle physiology who underwent a Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure as first-stage palliation toward creating Fontan circulation. The postoperative period was characterized by sterile wound dehiscence of the subcutaneous layers. We used a CorMatrix extracellular matrix patch as an adjunct to repair the wound defect. After 7 weeks, the wound had healed with excellent results. To our knowledge, this is the first report of extracellular matrix patch implantation for sternal wound reconstruction in a neonate.

Right Atrial Tumor Resection and Reconstruction with Use of an Acellular Porcine Bladder Membrane

Malignant cardiac tumors typically have a grave prognosis; their resection with negative margins is optimal. We present the case of a 21-year-old woman in whom we surgically resected a primary cardiac sarcoma and reconstructed the right atrium with use of a porcine urinary bladder membrane-the MatriStem(®) Surgical Matrix PSMX. The patient recovered uneventfully. Six months postoperatively, the right atrial wall had retained its integrity. In addition to our patient's case, we discuss the benefits of using the MatriStem membrane in cardiac reconstruction.