A Comparison Of The 3M TM S Surgical Skin Closure System To The Standard Vicryl Suture Closure of Sternotomy Incisions During Cardiac Surgery

Comparison Of The 3M Surgical Skin Closure System To The Standard Vicryl Suture Closure Of Sternotomy Incisions

Following closure of surgical incisions, wounds may develop redness, swelling, and drainage which may result in increased pain and infection. This study will test to hypothesis that using the 3M TM S Surgical Skin Closure System will reduce the incidence of pain, redness, swelling, and infections in a group of patients undergoing a mediastinotomy incision used for open heart surgical procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing mediastinotomy for cardiac surgical procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with:

• Allergies to skin adhesives
• Known keloid formation
• Prior sternotomies
• Conditions making them not candidates for vicryl skin closure