title: Intrathoracic transfer of flaps for fistulas, exposed prosthetic devices, and reinforcement of suture lines.
abstract: Intrathoracic infection associated with actual or potential leakage of the airway, esophagus, heart, and great vessels is a life-threatening situation that is seen infrequently. Failure to control these infections with the usual techniques often can be attributed to the presence of a persistent pleural space and continuing empyema. Intrathoracic transposition of extrathoracic skeletal muscle in these situations offers an effective method of management.
authors.affiliation: Section of General Thoracic Surgery, Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota.
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Pairolero
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Arnold
mesh_terms: D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D004653:Empyema / Q000601:surgery; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods*