title: Simple technique for maximal thoracic muscle harvest.
abstract: We present a modification of technique for standard muscle flap harvest, the placement of cutaneous traction sutures. This technique allows for maximal dissection of the thoracic muscles even through minimal incisions. Through improved exposure and traction, complete dissection of the muscle bed can be performed and the tissue obtained maximized. Because more muscle bulk is obtained with this technique, the need for a second muscle may be prevented.
authors.affiliation: General Thoracic Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. blair.marshall@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: M Blair
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Larry R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Kaiser
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kucharczuk
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*