Gauze-based negative pressure wound therapy to infected deep sternotomy wound complicated by cardiac tamponade: a case report

Negative pressure wound therapy is the standard of care for infections after median sternotomy. Foam-based systems are commonly used even in scenarios when the myocardium is exposed. Gauze-based systems have recently gained popularity. We describe a case of deep sternal dehiscence that lead to a life-threatening complication secondary to wound filler choice.