Abstract
We present a female neonate with a sternal cleft (SC) and additional aortic aneurysm
who presented with respiratory failure. Stabilization of the SC was achieved by using
the xyphoid process as an autologous graft bridging the upper part of the SC. We conclude
that a step-wise correction of the SC with the use of an autologous graft may improve
respiratory function, and should be considered when complete surgical correction is
not feasible.
Keywords
aortic aneurysm - sternal cleft - surgical repair
