The pectoralis major muscle extended island flap for complete obliteration of the median sternotomy wound.
Publication/Presentation Date
12-1-2007
Abstract
The sequence of adverse events initiated by a sternal wound infection today can typically be ameliorated by interposing a vascularized flap. The pectoralis major muscle due to its propinquity has universally been the workhorse flap for minimizing this dilemma, with our experience over the past 25 years being no exception as 123 of 156 patients so inflicted required this donor site in some format. However, a rectus abdominis muscle had to be used in combination in 22 patients, particularly for coverage of the xiphoid region, and this can add significant morbidity in an already compromised patient population. This conundrum provided the impetus starting in 2003 for the development of a pectoralis major muscle extended island flap, whereby skeletonizing its vascular pedicle back to near the origin of the thoracoacromial axis, the desired extended reach can be obtained. Since that time, 18 pectoralis major muscle extended island flaps have been successfully used, with only a single wound complication still requiring use of a rectus abdominis muscle flap. This has proven to be a reliable option that alone allows complete closure of the median sternotomy wound while avoiding the need for combined flaps with preservation of the rectus abdominis muscle.
Volume
59
Issue
6
First Page
655
Last Page
658
ISSN
0148-7043
Published In/Presented At
Hallock G. G. (2007). The pectoralis major muscle extended island flap for complete obliteration of the median sternotomy wound. Annals of plastic surgery, 59(6), 655–658. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0b013e318049e6d5
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
18046148
Department(s)
Department of Surgery
Document Type
Article