Vacuum-assisted closure therapy for deep sternal wound infections: the impact of learning curve on survival and predictors for late mortality.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible learning curve effects on survival during the introduction of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in patients with deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). Furthermore, predictors of late mortality were analysed and causes of late death were examined. Fifty-three patients (early Group, n = 26, January 1999 to July 2001 versus late group, n = 27, Aug