Download PDF
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997; 45(3): 138-140
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1013706
Case Report

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

The Omental Flap with Skin Grafting for Treatment of a Difficult Sternal Closure

K. Yasuura, H. Watanabe, A. Matsuura, T. Ichihara, T. Maseki, T. Watanabe, S. Torii, M. Murase
  • Department of Thoracic Surgery and Department of Plastic Surgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

1996

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints All articles of this category

Abstract

A case report of difficult sternal closure is described. Chest closure following cardiac operation in critically ill patients can be a problem. Techniques have been described so that sternal closure can be delayed until the patient is hemodynamically stable and hemostasis has been achieved. However, in some instances, the sternal closure can not be performed because of prolonged cardiopulmonary instability. We describe the use of transpostion of an omentall flap with skin grafting in a 74-year-old patient with aortic valve stenosis, poor pulmonary function, and a thoracic deformity. This technique enabled incomplete sternal closure which maintained hemodynamic stability.

Key words

Delayed sternal closure - Chest deformity - Omental flap with skin grafting

      >