Results of the modified bi-pectoral muscle flap procedure for post-sternotomy deep wound infection.

PURPOSE: Post-sternotomy deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a severe complication of cardiac surgery. The introduction of omental and muscle flaps has resulted in a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality. In this article, we present the findings for a series of 55 consecutive patients with DSWI treated using an alternative bi-pectoral musculofascial flap technique. METHODS: The patients were stratified into two groups (one-or two-stage intervention). Patients with septic wounds initially underwent debridement and wound treatment, while vacuum therapy was used in a subset of the subjects. All patients were treated with wound debridement and bi-pectoral advancement flap reconstruction. RESULTS: 30-day mortality was 5.4%. Most patients (72%) were treated in two stages, while vacuum therapy was used in 20% of the patients. The mean number of hospitalization days was 8 and 12 for the one- and the two-stage groups, respectively. Reconstruction was successful in all but three patients, each of whom developed recurrent infection. No major morbidity was reported at a mean follow-up of 82 months with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Pectoralis-major muscle flaps remain relevant in the modern management of post-sternotomy mediastinitis. The addition of an omental flap should be considered in cases in which the lower sternum is involved. Prompt diagnosis and a meticulous surgical technique ensure favorable results for the majority of patients.

The Belsey Mark IV: an operation with an enduring role in the management of complicated hiatal hernia.

BACKGROUND: The Belsey Mark IV operation has been used for the management of hiatal hernia for over 40 years, but with the introduction of laparoscopic techniques its role has become questionable. To determine the current role of this procedure we present a contemporary series of patients. METHODS: We reviewed fifteen consecutive patients, mean age of 63 years, who underwent a Belsey Mark IV fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux in the presence of a hiatal hernia in our Department from January 2005 to March 2011. Indications for the thoracic approach included paraesophageal hernias, recurrent hiatal hernias and previous upper abdominal surgery. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Immediate postoperative morbidity included 1 case of bleeding, 1 case of pneumonia and 1 case of atrial fibrillation. The mean length of stay was 5.9 days. After a mean follow-up time of 49 months, all patients reported total or partial alleviation of their symptoms. No hernia recurrence was detected during barium swallow examination. CONCLUSIONS: The Belsey approach is a procedure that can be useful as an alternative in selected cases when there are co-morbidities complicating the transabdominal (laparoscopic) approach.

Hydrodynamic performance of a prototype bioprosthetic valve derived from the pulmonary valve of Phoca groenlandica.

Biological valves offer significant advantages over mechanical valves, and for this reason, we studied the possibility of using a new animal source such as that of Phoca groenlandica. Four aortic and four pulmonary leaflets were cut radially and their uniaxial tensile testing was evaluated. Three prototype pulmonary valves of Phoca groenlandica preserved in buffered glutaraldehyde solution 0.625% at pH 7.4 were mounted on a 19, 21, and 27 mm novel support system (stent) with heart shape commissural posts covered with polytetrafluoroethylene. The valves were tested in a steady flow system, the peak pressure gradients (PPGs) were measured, and the effective orifice areas (EOAs) were calculated for the flows of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 L/min. There were five different measurements for each flow variant. Aortic and pulmonary leaflets present no statistically significant difference in failure strength (p = 0.93). The PPGs across the valves for the flow of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 L/min for all three tested valves were low and the corresponding calculated EOAs were large. The new bioprosthetic valve derived from the pulmonary valve of Phoca groenlandica mounted on this novel support system presented a satisfactory hydrodynamic performance in a steady flow system. More research is needed before it can be considered suitable for human cardiac valve replacement.

Cardiopulmonary bypass assisted resection of mediastinal masses.

We report a recurrent solitary fibrous tumor of the mediastinum that was encircling the right pulmonary artery. The resection of the tumor with the involved right pulmonary artery segment and sequential graft reconstruction of the vessel was facilitated by the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. We review the indications, management, and outcomes of cardiopulmonary bypass for the resection of mediastinal masses.

Experimental replacement of pig trachea with novel bioprosthesis from harp seal.

Tracheal replacement has been a challenging problem for thoracic surgeons for over half of a century. We evaluated the in-vivo performance of a new tracheal bioprosthesis derived from Harp seal (Phoca groelandica) trachea that was fixed and preserved in 0.625% buffered glutaraldehyde solution for 3 months. Ten young male pigs weighing 27-32 kg (mean, 28.7 kg) underwent replacement of a tracheal segment with this new bioprosthesis. The length of replaced trachea was 1.8-2.4 cm (mean, 2.17 cm), representing 2-3 cartilage rings. All pigs survived the operation uneventfully. No immunosuppression drugs were used. The pigs eventually developed dyspnea and were euthanized on postoperative day 17-39 (mean, 30.8 days). Macroscopic and histological analysis showed an intact bioprosthesis but near-total occlusion of the native trachea by a ring of inflammatory infiltration at the site of distal anastomosis. More experiments involving a different concentration of the preservation agent, different management, and perhaps the use of bioengineering techniques are needed to improve the performance of this novel bioprosthesis.

Acinetobacter baumannii mediastinitis after cardiopulmonary bypass: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinitis resulting from surgical site infection may occur in 1% of patients undergoing median sternotomy. METHODS: Case report and review of the pertinent English-language literature. RESULTS: We report a case of mediastinitis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, in a patient with multiple comorbidities who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass. Successful treatment consisted of surgical debridement, reconstruction, and ampicillin-sulbactam. CONCLUSIONS: Acinetobacter baumannii should be recognized as a potential causative agent of severe postoperative mediastinitis.

Alternative bi-pectoral muscle flaps for postoperative sternotomy mediastinitis.

Suppuration, mediastinitis, and disruption of median sternotomy are all rare, but nevertheless severe complications. We propose a simple mobilization of the two pectoralis major muscles for use as flaps to fill the sternal defect without the need for humeral detachment or a second cutaneous incision. These will be supplied from both the thoracoacromial vessels and the perforating arteries of the nongrafted internal mammary artery (IMA). Our technique is quick and easy, giving excellent results. Furthermore, by maintaining the perforating branches, we also preserve the nongrafted IMA.