Usefulness of Wound Bed Preparation Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Mediastinitis with Artificial Graft Infection

Abstract

　Mediastinitis with artificial graft infection is difficult to treat and is a serious complication that may result in death. In principle, removal of the infected artificial graft and replacement surgery are considered, but removal may be difficult due the level of difficulty and invasiveness. We performed wound bed preparation using negative-pressure wound therapy and infection control by two-stage reconstructive surgery after sufficient debridement for mediastinitis with artificial graft infection.
　We consider removal and replacement of the infected artificial graft, but if it is difficult due to problems, such as the general condition of the patient, it is important to completely cover the artificial graft with omental and muscle flaps after the infection subsides and sufficient wound bed preparation is obtained.