Hydrodissection in Redo Sternotomies

Injection of pressurized normal saline into the retrosternal tissue has been used in redo sternotomies. This technique has been labeled as hydrodissection. It is a simple but effective technique to help minimize the trauma and risk of complications in redo sternotomies. My colleagues and I present a series of 6 consecutive patients in whom hydrodissection was performed. There was no injury to the heart or any vessel on reentry.