Prospective-randomized Trial to Demonstrate Superiority of SuperCable vs. Conventional Steel Wire for Closure After a Median Sternotomy
During certain heart surgeries, the sternum is opened and must then be closed securely. The study compares two closure methods - steel wires and SuperCable - in terms of stability, healing, and patient satisfaction. This investigation aims to demonstrate that the iso-elastic properties of the SuperCable Sternal Closure System result in faster sternal bone healing, reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and improved physical recovery compared to conventional steel wire sternal closure. Eighty-six patients are participating and are randomly assigned to one of the two groups. After the operation, pain, healing, and possible complications are checked. The patients are examined 3 and 6 months after the operation.
• Provision of Informed Consent: The subject must have signed and dated the informed consent form prior to any study-related procedures.
• Willingness and Ability to Comply: The subject must express a stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.
• Age and Sex:
‣ Age: The subject must be at least 18 years old.
⁃ Sex: Both male and female subjects are eligible. In line with the Sex and Gender in Research Involving Humans recommendations, data will be stratified and analyzed by sex to identify any potential differences in outcomes.
• Language Competence: The subject must possess sufficient German language skills to accurately complete the postoperative survey
• Travel Capability: The subject must have the ability to travel for all planned study visits, including scheduled CT scans
• Surgical Procedure: The subject must be scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures, as this is the focus of the investigation
• Adherence to Visit Schedule: The subject must be willing to adhere to all scheduled visits and undergo CT scans as outlined in the study protocol