title: Management of Large Sternal Wound Infections With the Superior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap.
abstract: The management of sternal wound infections often requires pedicled flaps. In recent years, the emergence of perforator flaps has changed our management of wounds involving tissue loss. For sternal wounds, the superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flap can be used with the propeller procedure with minimal donor site morbidity. In our practice, this flap has replaced the traditional latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major flaps in the treatment of many sternal wounds. We report our experience with 4 patients with large sternal wound infection after cardiothoracic operations. The SEAP flap appears a safe alternative for low-morbidity coverage of sternal infections. Moreover, muscle flaps remain available in case the SEAP flap fails.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Eburdery
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Grolleau
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berthier
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bertheuil
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France. Electronic address: benoitchaput31@gmail.com.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chaput
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019074:Epigastric Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000601:surgery*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D013905:Thoracoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing