Sternal wires /Sternal nonunion

[mctingen]

My mother recently underwent a CABG. Recently, she had to be rushed to the ER due to blood gushing out of her incision site. After opening her up to see what the problem was, the surgeon discovered that the sternal wires had cut through her sternum and sliced one of her grafts. How often are there complications with sternal wires? How did this go unnoticed in the dozen or so Xrays they have taken post-op?  

[kenkeith]

Sorry to hear of your mother's experience. I'm surprised there wasn't a radiologic finding (that is very unusual), even as early as the first postoperative day there can be a problem.  It is not an unheard of occurrence and sometimes it is due to a defective wire.  The twisting used for sternum closing, the repetitive movement of the the thorax with respiration and upper body activity can cause migration of wire within the chest.  

Hope your mother has recovered properly, and thanks for the question.  Take care.