title: Thoracic Wall Reconstruction with Acellular Porcine Dermal Collagen Matrix.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Major thoracic wall resections require the implantation of foreign materials for reconstruction and stabilization. Recently, biological collagen matrixes have emerged as an alternative to the routinely used synthetic materials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospectively, we analyzed our initial experience of chest wall reconstruction on large defects using a cross-linked porcine dermal acellular collagen matrix mesh with a thickness of 1.5 mm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six sarcoma patients with a mean age of 46 (22-66) years underwent chest wall resections. Complete thoracic wall defects (mean area 149 cm2) ranged from 8 × 10 to 15 × 20 cm in size. In the majority of cases, only mobilized subcutaneous tissue and skin were used for soft-tissue coverage of the implanted porcine collagen matrix patches. Implantation and postoperative courses were uneventful in all patients. No local infections or wound healing problems occurred. The collagen material resulted in durable and good to excellent chest wall stability in clinical follow-ups, and on computed tomography scans spanning over 3.5 years. Histological examination showed integration, neovascularization, and long-term persistence of the collagen matrix on late reoperation of one patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acellular porcine dermal collagen matrix is a feasible and reliable biological patch material for reconstruction of the thoracic wall. Excellent wound healing and long-term stability are achieved even in large defects or complete sternal replacements.
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors: Joachim
authors: J
authors: Schmidt
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors: Bassam
authors: B
authors: Redwan
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors: Volkan
authors: V
authors: Koesek
authors: Gerhard Domagk Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Heitplatz
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors: Benedetta
authors: B
authors: Bedetti
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors: Hermann
authors: H
authors: Aebert
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, University Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
authors: Karsten
authors: K
authors: Wiebe
mesh_terms: D062088:Acellular Dermis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013552:Swine; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013905:Thoracoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult