Sternal wound infections that spread to the mediastinum are associated with a mortality rate of:

D. Less than 15%.

DISCUSSION: Although the mortality rate following sternal infections with mediastinitis formerly was high, it is now greatly reduced. In most series, mediastinitis is cured in more than 90% of patients who are treated aggressively with débridement and placement of muscle flaps or omentum into the mediastinum to speed wound healing.