Injury to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation provider by sternal wire.

ABSTRACT

Background: Median sternotomy is a common surgical procedure during cardiac and pulmonary surgeries. There are many reports of patient injury associated with wire breakage. However, there are only a few reports of healthcare worker injuries by sternal wire. Case Presentation A patient in his 70s, having a history of thoracic aorta replacement, collapsed suddenly and paramedics started mechanical chest compression. On hospital arrival, the emergency department nurse attempted to initiate manual chest compression but was injured by a sternal wire protrusion on the patient's chest. The emergency physician placed gauze on the sternal wire and continued manual chest compression, but the patient died. Conclusion: To prevent this injury, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) providers should consciously check the patient's chest. If they observe wire exposure, they should immediately place a gauze, pad or consider performing mechanical chest compression. Safety measures such as the installing rubber pads in the AED should be considered.