Curvilinear Paramedian Sternotomy

To the Editor:

I read with interest the letter to the editor titled “Curved Sternotomy Incision” by Williams, ¹ which appeared in the most recent issue of the Texas Heart Institute Journal. I have used the technique described by Dr. Williams since 1984 with similar results and initially reported it in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery. ² This method, which I call curvilinear paramedian sternotomy, ensures perfect reduction of the sternal edges in the craniocaudal dimension. Care must still be taken to achieve even apposition of the edges anteroposteriorly. It is gratifying to know that Dr. Williams's experience confirms what has long been a part of my armamentarium.