It's Medical Monday! Median Sternotomy
- Samantha Colon
- Jun 30, 2025
- 2 min read
Welcome back to Medical Monday and happy last day of June, Aortic Hope family! Ever wonder how surgeons access the heart for major procedures like valve repair or aortic surgery? One common way is through something called a median sternotomy. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know what it is, when it’s used, and what kind of scar to expect.
What Exactly Is a Median Sternotomy?
A median sternotomy is a surgical incision made down the middle of the chest, through the sternum (breastbone). This approach gives the surgeon full access to the heart, aorta, and nearby blood vessels, which is crucial for life-saving procedures. It’s most commonly used for:
Open-heart surgery
Valve repair or replacement
Aortic aneurysm or dissection repair
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
How Big Is the Incision?
The incision usually runs from just below the collarbone down to just above the top of the abdomen, about 6 to 8 inches long. The sternum is carefully split in half and later closed with surgical wires, which stay in the body permanently.
The scar fades over time, but everyone heals differently. Some people have a thin, barely noticeable line. Others may have a more visible scar depending on skin type and healing.
What’s Recovery Like?
Most people spend about 5–7 days in the hospital
Full recovery can take 6–8 weeks or more
Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and upper body strain while the bone heals
Many people attend cardiac rehab to regain strength and confidence
Will I Be Okay After?
Yes! While the scar may seem intimidating, a median sternotomy is a well-practiced, safe procedure when done by experienced surgeons. It allows for precise, life-saving operations on the heart and great vessels.
Many patients feel stronger and more energetic once they’ve healed, especially if surgery was done to fix a problem like valve dysfunction or a blocked artery.
Sam’s Summary:
A median sternotomy is a common chest incision used in heart and aortic surgeries that involves splitting the breastbone to access vital structures. The scar is usually 6–8 inches long, and while recovery takes several weeks, it allows for life-saving procedures with excellent outcomes.
If you or someone you love is facing this type of surgery, knowing what to expect can make it a lot less scary. Thank you for joining me this week for Medical Monday!! Have a great start to the week!
Always Thinking Aorta,
Samantha
Great description of the sternotomy! 🙂