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J Reconstr Microsurg 2016; 32(07): 506-512
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1578815
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Arteriovenous Loop–Independent Free Flap Reconstruction of Sternal Defects after Cardiac Surgery

Ulf Dornseifer
1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, Bogenhausen Academic Hospital, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Charlotte Kleeberger
1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, Bogenhausen Academic Hospital, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Denis Ehrl
1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, Bogenhausen Academic Hospital, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Frank Herter
1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, Bogenhausen Academic Hospital, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Milomir Ninkovic
1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery, Bogenhausen Academic Hospital, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
,
Igors Iesalnieks
2   Department of Surgery, Bogenhausen Academic Hospital, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

08 November 2015

09 January 2016

Publication Date:
26 February 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Background Sternal defects following deep wound infections are predominantly reconstructed using local and regional flaps. The lack of appropriate recipient vessels after cardiac surgery may explain the minor role of free flaps. To date, arteriovenous loops have been the leading solution to enable microsurgical closure of these defects. However, the related surgical effort and the risk of flap failure are increased. We reviewed our experiences with the right gastroepiploic vessels as alternative recipient vessels for free flap reconstructions.

Methods Between September 2010 and July 2015, 12 patients suffering deep wound infection after cardiac surgery underwent sternal reconstruction with free flaps anastomosed to the right gastroepiploic vessels. Gracilis flaps (n = 8) and anterolateral thigh perforator flaps (n = 4) were used for sternal reconstruction. Recipient vessels were harvested by laparoscopic dissection in five patients. Half of the free flaps were variably combined with omental flow-through flaps.

Results Healing of all flaps was uneventful with no partial or total flap loss. Simultaneous interdisciplinary harvesting of recipient vessels by laparoscopy significantly shortened mean operative time from 313 to 216 minutes (p = 0.018). One incisional hernia was observed in the laparotomy group. Revision of a gracilis donor site was necessary in another patient due to postoperative bleeding. No recurrent sternal infection occurred during a mean follow-up of 20 months (range, 3–59 months).

Conclusions The concept of gastroepiploic recipient vessels allows reliable free flap reconstructions of sternal defects in such high-risk patients without the need for arteriovenous loops.

Keywords

sternal defect - microsurgery - gastroepiploic vessels
 

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