Sternum Closure

After surgery for mitral valve repair, what kind of wire is used to close the sternum, and how is it done?
Are there any concerns re: infection, pain and swelling or even breaking caused by deep breathing and coughing post surgery?
Thanks!
Heather410

[Cleveland Clinic]

The wires are usually made out of stainless steel. They are actually just very heavy gauge sutures and are tied around the sternum. Deep breathing and coughing after surgery are unlikely to cause any infections or breaking in these, except in the first few days. After that granulation tissue starts to form in the sternum and muscles around this area which help to stabilize the area.

[Heather410]

Thanks for your response, however, since the wires can break right after surgery,when would it be safe to start deep breathing and or cough.
Or should I just gently clear my throat cross- armed  for a while?
I would really like to know.
Thank-you.

[Jkm7]

I had surgery to replace my mitral valve a week and a half ago.  The nurses strongly encouraged me to breath deeply very soon after surgery and provided a device called an incentive spirometer to be used ten times an hour all waking hours.  They want deep breathing in order to get lungs functioning well and get the air sacs filled.

Don't worry.  It is far more beneficial for you to breathe as deeply as possible considering discomfort than to take shallow breaths.

Good luck with your surgery.  Hope it goes well for you.