2023-11-022023-11-022016http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/9139Mediastinitis is a complication that can develop in the postoperative period after cardiac surgery. Patients with various comorbidities are considered high risk for developing mediastinitis, therefore increasing morbidity and mortality rates. Skin breakdown and infiltration of skin flora are key causative elements in poststernotomy wound infections (Grauhan et. al, 2014). Evidence suggests, that the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) significantly decreases the rate of mediastinitis when compared to traditional sterile dressing changes. NPWT decreases the chance of developing mediastinitis by improving local blood flow, removing excess drainage, keeping the incision edges together, protecting the wound from external contamination, and promoting healing (Colli, 2011). According to this research, NPTW incorporates these preventative measures and is the best protocol for treating and caring for sternal incisions (Atkins et. al, 2009). Therefore, it is recommended that all sternal incisions be treated with NPWT for 4-7 days in the immediate post-operative period.1 pageengAll Rights ReservedHeart--SurgeryWound healingImage