Eliminate Risk of Cardiac Surgical Site Events

Randomized,Prospective Evaluation of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloths to Reduce Surgical Site Infections in Cardiothoracic Surgery Patients

The purpose of the study is to see if using 2% Chlorhexidine cloths will reduce surgical site infections in patients having elective cardiac surgery.

A randomized, prospective study utilizing 2% Chlorhexidine cloths to evaluate the product's effectiveness in reducing surgical site infections in elective cardiothoracic surgery patients. Sage 2% chlorhexidine cloths are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preparation of skin prior to surgery.

The study hypothesis is that the preoperative surgical preparation with 2% chlorhexidine cloths, which leaves chlorhexidine on the skin, will reduce surgical site infections by 50% as compared to current standard procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective cardiothoracic surgery patients > 18 years old.
• Informed consent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any current known allergies to chlorhexidine gluconate
• Currently taking any oral or topical antibiotics
• Any active skin rashes or breaks in the skin on areas to be treated with chlorhexidine gluconate
• A current active skin disease or inflammatory skin condition, known pre-existing skin infection, including contact dermatitis that is currently being treated with an antibiotic
• Any medical condition or use of any medications that in the opinion of the Principal Investigator preclude participation.
• Unwillingness or failure to fulfill requirements of the study