A randomized, prospective study utilizing 2% Chlorhexidine cloths to evaluate the product's effectiveness in reducing surgical site infections in elective cardiothoracic surgery patients. Sage 2% chlorhexidine cloths are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for preparation of skin prior to surgery.~The study hypothesis is that the preoperative surgical preparation with 2% chlorhexidine cloths, which leaves chlorhexidine on the skin, will reduce surgical site infections by 50% as compared to current standard procedure.
The purpose of the study is to see if using 2% Chlorhexidine cloths will reduce surgical site infections in patients having elective cardiac surgery.