Acute mediastinal bleeding during vacuum-assisted closure

Abstract

Vacuum-assisted closure is commonly used to treat post-sternotomy mediastinitis. Several studies show improved outcome using vacuum-assisted therapy; however, risks using negative pressure should not be underestimated. We describe two cases of acute mediastinal bleeding during vacuum treatment for post-sternotomy mediastinitis and discuss preventative measurements. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Medicalhelplines.com Inc.