[[Sternotomy Skin Incision]] # Clear Cervical Thoracic Fascia from Manubrium in Preparation for Sternal Saw If the cervical thoracic fascia is not cleared from the top of the manubrium, it will interfere with the function of the oscillating sternal saw. The frequency of the saw oscillations is designed to go through rigid bone, and preserve soft tissue. If the fascia has not been cleared, the saw will uselessly vibrate this soft tissue, and not cut the bone. The frustrated neophyte pulls harder until the fascia, by compression to the bone, assumes its rigidity, then all of a sudden the saw will take off. The sudden acceleration causes an overcorrection, and the surgeon will have often left the midline with the sternotomy.