Preventing Sternal Wound Infections in Pediatric Patients

In a press release issued on November 21, 2022, Covalon Technologies Ltd announced that its SurgiClear dressing might play a role in effectively preventing sternal wound infections in pediatric patients. This announcement highlights the conclusions of a two-year study published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery. The study was conducted at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital in collaboration with the University of Utah.

Surgical wound infections increase the length of hospital states, healthcare costs, mortality rates, and readmission. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most common complications of cardiothoracic surgery.

The study aimed to reduce surgical wound infections in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery patients to less than 1.5%. To do so, the hospital implemented surgical wound infection prevention bundles for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risks. One particular aspect of the bundle was standardizing surgical wound closure and coverage for two weeks with a negative pressure or silicone dressing.

According to Covalon, SurgiClear is an antimicrobial silicone dressing to protect wound sites and closures. The adhesive dressing includes chlorhexidine and silver to protect the wound site. An image of the tool made available by the company is available in the release.

In the press release, Jeremy Harman, PA-C, an author of the study, commented, "The trifecta of breathable barrier protection, antimicrobials, and the ability to monitor the site is what makes this a great dressing. It's easier for us to assess the wound and is more comfortable for patients."

The study found that, at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, the 2018 surgical wound infection rate was approximately 2.83%; however, with the bundling approach, that number was cut by over 50%, averaging 1.15% in 2021.

"It is great to see another institution sharing their experience with our SurgiClear dressing through publication," said Brian Pedlar, CEO, in the press release. "At Covalon, we're committed to providing better experiences for patients and clinicians, and this work completed by Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital shows how the best practices and products come together to do just that, helping the most vulnerable heal."

Researchers may consider repeating this study at other pediatric centers to determine the benefits of this tool. Additional research may also delve deeper into which aspect of the surgical wound infection prevention bundle yielded the most significant reduction in infection rates.