Table 1.

Individual deep sternal wound infection prevention variables

Variable	Specifics
Reducing skin flora5	Chlorhexidine baths for infection control of multidrug-resistant organisms
Preoperative nasal MRSA screening5,6	Antibiotic selection, preoperative decolonization
Perioperative antibiotics5,7, 8, 9, 10	Selection, coverage, concentration
Perioperative normothermia	Warming devices, room temperatures
Clean operating room environment11, 12, 13	Air quality, air turnover rates, temperature, cleanliness, foot traffic
Operating room door openings11,14	Airborne particle counts, staff movement, ventilation
Blood product transfusion7	Hemodilution, blood exposure
Sternal topical adhesives and medications15,16	Topical vancomycin, sterilization techniques, preventing dehiscence
Hypothermia prevention17, 18, 19	Airborne particles
Sternal closure method20, 21, 22, 23	Figure-of-8, wire cerclage, rigid fixation
Using disposable equipment24,25	ECG leads, electrocautery pad chords
Intravenous line dressings	CHG-impregnated dressing, CHG-impregnated patch

MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; ECG, electrocardiogram; CHG, chlorhexidine gluconate.