Cross chest flap grafts

Abstract

In an attempt to hasten the transfer of pedicle grafts from the torso to the upper extremity and to provide a greater element of patient comfort, cross chest flap procedures have been used. It has been found that the technic is particularly contraindicated in those persons with barrel chests. Otherwise the method provides excellent tissue for transfer, greatly relieves patient discomfort and allows outpatient care in the later days of flap attachment. While the incidence of ten failures among sixty flaps is unreasonably high, the method offers enough promise to warrant its continued use in carefully screened patients.