JCCVS
Journal of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery

Journal of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery scientific, open-access, double-blind peer-reviewed journal covering a wide spectrum of topics in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.

eISSN: 2980-1397
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Case Report
A 3-year chronic post-sternotomy sinus tract maintained by a migrating pacemaker wire
Abstract
Chronic chest wall discharge following median sternotomy is a complex complication requiring a stepwise therapeutic approach. We present a 26-year-old male patient who underwent emergent mechanical mitral valve replacement for infective endocarditis and developed delayed sternal healing with persistent sterile discharge in the postoperative period. Suspecting a local tissue reaction, the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) sternal bands were sequentially removed. Despite extracting all closure materials and excluding infection via negative tissue cultures, the chronic sinus tract discharge persisted for two years, necessitating regular wound care. A multidisciplinary surgical revision was performed to determine the underlying etiology. Exploration revealed that a temporary epicardial pacemaker wire had migrated anteriorly from the mediastinum into the subcutaneous tissue, presumably through a previous sternal band hole. Complete extraction of the retained wire, combined with short-term vacuum-assisted closure therapy, led to rapid and sustained wound healing. This case highlights that delayed sternal healing can be perpetuated by sequential foreign body reactions, and migrating pacemaker wires must be considered in persistent post-sternotomy sinus tracts.

Keywords : Delayed sternal healing, migrating pacemaker wire, UHMWPE sternal band, chronic sinus tract, open heart surgery

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 66-68
https://doi.org/10.51271/JCCVS-0081
Article Information
Received : 18 Haz 2026
Accepted : 26 Eyl 2026
Published : 30 Eyl 2026
Corresponding Author :

Emine Aleyna Eroğlu Polat: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital, Kastamonu, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Eroğlu Polat EA. A 3-year chronic post-sternotomy sinus tract maintained by a migrating pacemaker wire. J Cardiol Cardiovasc Surg. 2026;4(3):66-68. doi:10.51271/JCCVS-0081

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