Effect of temporary external stabilization on ventilator weaning after sternal resection.

The role of mechanical fixation of the chest wall in the treatment of flail chest remains controversial. We report a case of flail chest resulting from major sternal resection. The application of a temporary external stabilization device improved pulmonary mechanics by decreasing the respiratory rate from 36/min to 10/min while increasing tidal volume and vital capacity from 140 +/- 85 ml and 195 +/- 90 ml, respectively, to 450 +/- 110 ml and 905 +/- 310 ml, respectively. The improvement with the temporary device facilitated weaning from mechanical ventilation. We recommend consideration of this technique in selected cases of flail chest resulting from major chest wall resection.