Table 1.
El Oakley and Wright classification of deep sternal wound infection
| Type | Presentation after operation | Number of risk factorsa | Additional criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Within 2 weeks | 0 | − |
| II | 2–6 weeks | 0 | − |
| IIIa | Within 2 weeks | ≥1 | − |
| IIIb | 2–6 weeks | ≥1 | − |
| IVa | Type I, II, or III | − | One failed therapeutic trial |
| IVb | Type I, II, or III | − | Two or more failed therapeutic trials |
| V | >6 weeks | − | − |
Note:
a
Risk factors identified in three or more major studies such as diabetes, obesity, and requirement of immunosuppressive agents.13