How to Close an Upper Ministernotomy 

In this video, Dr. Vince Gaudiani demonstrates his closure technique for an upper ministernotomy. He frequently employs this approach with a femoral venous cannula and often also uses a femoral arterial cannula. This technique is applicable for a range of aortic and mitral operations. However, it is important to understand how to close the sternotomy securely and safely to minimize pain and infection. This video demonstrates the method of closure, showing it on paper, on a patient, and on a wooden model to show how the X configuration at the bottom of the ministernotomy is performed.  

Editor’s Note 

This video can be viewed as a companion piece with Dr. Gaudiani’s video “How to Perform an Upper Ministernotomy.”  

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