What is the purpose of sternotomy closure techniques and sternal closure devices in CABG?

• A. To prevent any infection completely.
• B. To restore chest wall stability, minimize infection risk, and promote healing; techniques include wires and closure devices to maintain sternal integrity.
• C. To reduce breathing efficiency.
• D. To increase sternal instability to allow more movement.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to protect the healing chest after the sternum has been split for CABG by securely reapproximating and stabilizing the two halves of the sternum. Closure techniques and devices are used to restore chest wall stability, minimize movement at the wound, and promote healing. Wires have long been used to hold the sternum together, while modern closure devices can provide more rigid fixation and even force distribution, which helps reduce sternal dehiscence, pain, and infection risk. When the sternum is securely closed and stable, patients breathe more effectively, recover faster, and complications related to poor wound healing are less likely. The other options don’t fit because complete infection prevention isn’t guaranteed, reducing breathing efficiency would be harmful, and increasing instability would clearly hinder healing.