Sternal Reconstruction Research Articles

Management of thoracic aortic graft infections with combined omental and bilateral pectoralis major flaps

BackgroundAortic vascular graft/endograft infection (VGEI) has historically been managed through graft removal and re-replacement, but new approaches suggest vascularized tissue transfer is an effective adjunctive treatment. Here we describe our experience with treating thoracic aortic vascular graft infection with combined omental and bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMM) advancement flaps. MethodsAll patients undergoing combined flap closure by the senior author at a high-acuity cardiac surgery center from 1995-2023 were reviewed. Patients with clinical and radiographic signs of thoracic aortic vascular graft infection were included. ResultsComplete data were available for 598 patients with sternal and mediastinal wounds. Combined PMM and omental flaps were mobilized in 11 thoracic aortic vascular graft infection patients. Indications for flap management included culture-positive infection (8/11; 72.7%), dehiscence (5/11; 45.5%), drainage (7/11; 63.6%), and inability to close the sternotomy due to hemodynamic instability (5/11; 45.5%). During chest exploration, 6/11 (54.5%) underwent complete removal of the infected graft, compared to 5/11 (45.5%) who underwent graft-preserving washout and debridement. Immediate flap closure was performed in 6/11 (54.5%). Post-op complications included dehiscence (2/11; 18.2%), seroma (1/11; 9.1%), hematoma (1/11, 9.1%), abdominal hernia (1/11; 9.1%), and recurrent infection (1/11; 9.1%). One patient (9.1%) died within 30 days of sternal reconstruction from mitral valve failure tachyarrhythmia. None has undergone reoperation for flap-related complications. ConclusionsDespite significant comorbidities, low postoperative morbidity and mortality indicate that combined omental and pectoralis major flaps are a safe and effective adjunctive treatment to the antimicrobial and surgical management of select thoracic aortic vascular graft infections.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy after postoperative gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer with median arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report

BackgroundPancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered a challenging surgery for resecting the gastroduodenal artery (GDA), right gastric artery (RGA), and lymph node tumors. In cases of pancreatic head cancer surgery, vascular anastomosis or right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA)/GDA preservation is necessary after postoperative gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer. Therefore, we report for the first time an extremely rare case of PD in a patient with pancreatic head cancer and median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) after gastric tube reconstruction following esophageal cancer surgery, in which the entire pancreatic head arcade was preserved.Case presentationThe patient was a 76-year-old man who had undergone esophageal cancer surgery after sternal gastric tube reconstruction 7 years ago. He was referred to our hospital because of the suspicion of intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) owing to an enlarged cystic lesion and a substantial component in the uncinate process of the pancreas. Preoperative three-dimensional computed (3D-CT) tomography angiography showed celiac axis stenosis and pancreatic head arcade dilation. The diagnosis was IPMC without evidence of invasion; therefore, gastric tube blood flow was maintained by preserving the GDA and RGEA. Due to MALS, the GDA blood flow was supplied through the pancreatic head arcade, necessitating its preservation. The GDA-RGEA, right gastroepiploic vein, and anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery were taped over the entire pancreatic head for preservation. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) was also taped on the dorsal pancreas and the posterior or anterior IPDA, which further bifurcates were taped to preserve them. Subsequently, PD was performed.ConclusionWe report a case of PD after gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer with MALS, in which the pancreatic head arcade vessels were successfully preserved using 3D-CT to confirm the operation of the vessels.

The Burden of Obesity in Cardiac Surgery: A 14 years' Follow-Up of 14.754 Patients.

The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing during the past decades. While previous research has focused on the early outcome after cardiac surgery or specific complications, the current study covers the whole burden of obesity in the field of cardiac surgery over short term and long term. Endpoints of the study were all-cause mortality, perioperative outcome, and wound-healing disorders (WHDs). 14.754 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery over a 14 years' time period were analyzed. BMI classifications were used according to the WHO definition. Mean survival was 11.95 years ± 0.1; CI 95% [12.04-12.14]. After adjustment for clinical baseline characteristics, obesity classes' I-III (obesity) did not affect 30-day mortality or all-cause mortality during the whole observational period. After adjustment for known risk factors, the risk for WHDs doubled at least in obesity patients as follows: obesity I (OR = 2.06; CI 95% [1.7-2.5]; p < 0.0001), obesity II (OR = 2.5; CI 95% [1.83-3.41]; p < 0.0001), and obesity III (OR = 4.12; CI 95% [2.52-6.74]; p < 0.0001). The same applies to the risk for sternal reconstruction that is substantially elevated in obesity I (OR = 2.23; CI 95% [1.75-2.83]; p < 0.0001), obesity II (OR = 2.81; CI 95% [1.91-4.13]; p < 0.0001), and obesity III (OR = 2.31; CI 95% [1.08-4.97]; p=0.03). No significant correlation could be found between obesity and major adverse events in the perioperative course like renal failure, ventilation >24 h, re-exploration, or cerebrovascular events. Cardiac surgery is safe in obesity as short- and long-term mortality are not increased, and major adverse events during the perioperative course are similar to control patients. The burden of obesity lies in substantially increased rates of wound-healing disorders and sternal reconstructions.

Salvage free flap reconstruction of deep sternal wound infections post coronary artery bypass: a case series

The authors present cases of sternal reconstruction using the right internal mammary artery and vein as recipient vessels when the left IMA has been used for cardiac revascularisation.

Anesthetic management of completion thyroidectomy with sternal resection and reconstruction in a patient with difficult airway with C3 vertebrae body fracture

Anesthetic management of completion thyroidectomy with sternal resection and reconstruction in a patient with difficult airway with C3 vertebrae body fracture

Free Flap Reconstruction of Sternal Defects after Cardiac Surgery: An Algorithmic Approach for Dealing with Sparse Recipient Vessels.

Sparsity of recipient vessels poses a challenge for microsurgical free flap reconstruction of sternal defects following deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery. From January 2013, a standardized algorithm for dealing with sparse recipient vessels was strictly followed. In this retrospective study including 75 patients, we compared operative details, surgical complications, and reconstructive outcomes of patients treated according to this algorithm (group A: January 2013-May 2021; n = 46) with a historical control group (group B: January 2000-December 2012, n = 29). The left internal mammary artery had been harvested for arterial bypass grafting in 40 of 46 cases (87%) in group A and in all cases in group B. The right internal mammary artery (RIMA) and right internal mammary vein (RIMV) were the first choice as recipient vessels. In case of unsuitability of the RIMV, a right cephalic vein (CV) turndown was used for venous outflow. If both RIMA and RIMV proved insufficient, a single-stage arterio-venous loop (AVL) between the CV and subclavian artery (CV-SA AVL), CV and thoracoacromial artery (CV-TA AVL), or subclavian artery and subclavian vein (SA-SV AVL) was established. The algorithmic approach significantly reduced partial flap necrosis [group A: n = 3 (7%) versus group b: n = 7 (24%); P = 0.04], and overall operation time [group A: 360 ± 88 min versus group B: 415 ± 80 min; P = 0.01]. Standardized approaches improve clinical outcomes in microsurgical free flap sternal reconstruction after cardiac surgery.

The application of three-dimensional custom-made prostheses in chest wall reconstruction after oncologic sternal resection.

As one of the cutting-edge advances in the field of reconstruction, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been constantly being attempted to assist in the reconstruction of complicated large chest wall defects. However, there is little literature assessing the treatment outcomes of 3D printed prostheses for chest wall reconstruction. This study aimed to analyze the surgical outcomes of 3D custom-made prostheses for the reconstruction of oncologic sternal defects and to share our experience in the surgical management of these rare and complex cases. We summarized the clinical features of the sternal tumor in our center, described the surgical techniques of the application of 3D customized prosthesis for chest wall reconstruction, and analyzed the perioperative characteristics, complications, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival of patients. Thirty-twopatients with the sternal tumor who underwent chest wall resection were identified, among which 13 patients used 3D custom-made titanium implants and 13 patients used titanium mesh for sternal reconstruction. 22 cases were malignant, and chondrosarcoma is the most common type. The mean age was 46.9 years, and 53% (17/32) of the patients were male. The average size of tumor was 6.4 cm, and the mean defect area was 76.4 cm2. 97% (31/32) patients received R0 resection. Complications were observed in 29% (9/32) of patients, of which wound infection (22%, 7/32) was the most common. The OS of the patients was 72% at 5 years. We demonstrated that with careful preoperative assessment, 3D customized prostheses could be a viable alternative for complex sternal reconstruction.

Sternal resection and reconstruction: a review.

Sternal resection and reconstruction is a rare but sometimes challenging procedure due to its profound anatomical and functional implications. For these reasons, an adequate preoperative evaluation is crucial in each patient, especially when we are faced with malignant lesions that sometimes require extensive radical resections, thus demanding an integrated reconstructive strategy that allows stabilizing the chest wall, protecting the underlying mediastinum and minimize resulting deformity. The large number of available reconstruction techniques and the lack of quality studies for their analysis mean that sternal reconstruction depends to a great extent on the consensus of experts or, more frequently, on the simple preference of each surgical team. This article aims to provide an overview of sternal resection and reconstruction. Indications for partial versus total or subtotal sternectomy are suggested and their surgical and oncological outcomes are presented. The use of rigid or semi-rigid prostheses is an ongoing debate, although recent functional data advise reserving rigid reconstructions for extensive defects. Sternectomy for primary tumors or local tumor involvement has a good prognosis with an overall survival of 5 and 10 years: 67% and 58%, respectively, provided that a radical resection with free surgical margins is performed. Breast cancer is the most common secondary sternal tumor, and surgery can offer 5-year overall survival ranging from 20% to 50% provided an R0 resection is achieved, although radical surgery does not appear to decrease rates. of recurrence. Metastases of origin other than the breast give the worst results (less than 40% at 36 months and 0% at 5 years) and although the data available on these cases are limited, the radicality of the resection does not seem to modify the survival or recurrence rates, so a conservative approach is probably more appropriate.

Sternal closure with sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh reduces postoperative hemorrhage: a retrospective study

BackgroundMedian sternotomy is the most performed procedure in cardiac surgery; however, sternal displacement and bleeding remains a problem. This study aimed to investigate whether sternal reconstruction using a sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate can prevent postoperative sternal displacement and bleeding more than a bioresorbable pin.MethodsPatients (n = 218) who underwent median sternotomy were classified according to whether a sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate and wire cerclage (group M, n = 109) or a bioresorbable pin and wire cerclage (group P, n = 109) were used during sternal reconstruction. The causes of postoperative sternal displacement and bleeding with computed tomography data were analyzed and compared between the groups.ResultsThe preoperative patient characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups. However, the evaluation of sternal and substernal hematoma on postoperative day 5 using computed tomography showed sternal displacement in 4 (4%) and 22 (20%) patients, and substernal hematoma in 17 (16%) and 41 (38%) patients in groups M and P, respectively; this difference was significant. Furthermore, the amount of bleeding at 6 h postoperatively was lower in group M than in group P (235 ± 147 vs. 284 ± 175 mL, p = 0.0275). Chest reopening, intubation time, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stays did not differ between the groups. The evaluation of substernal hematoma based on computed tomography yielded a significantly lower for group M than for group P, revealing that the mesh plate was an independent predictor of substernal hematoma prevention.ConclusionSternal fixation with a three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate could prevent postoperative sternal displacement, bleeding, and substernal hematoma more than sternal fixation with a pin.

Wide Composite Resection of Sternal Metastasis & Reconstruction Using Titanium Mesh Implant and Myocutaneous Flap in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Case Report of Two Cases.

Differentiated Thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with distant skeletal metastases is associated with a very poor prognosis and are unfortunately resistant to radioiodine therapy (RIT). Surgical removal of the metastases in such selected cases is a beneficial adjunct to RIT. We report two cases of DTC with sternal metastases whom we successfully managed with surgical resection of the sternal lesion with reconstruction of the chest wall defect using titanium mesh implant and myocutaneous flap.

Abstract 13814: Combined Omental and Bilateral Pectoralis Major Flaps for Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Graft Infections

Introduction: Aortic graft infections have historically been managed through graft removal and replacement. However, coverage with vascularized tissue flaps may provide an effective alternative, particularly in patients who are not able to undergo extended extra-anatomic bypass procedures. Hypothesis: Here we describe our experience treating thoracic aortic graft infections with combined omental and bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMM) advancement flaps. Methods: All patients undergoing sternal wound treatment with PMM flaps by the senior author (JAA) at a high-volume cardiac surgery center from 1996-2023 were reviewed. Patients with evidence of aortic graft infection were included. Results: Complete data were available for 598 patients, 11 of whom had combined PMM and omental flaps mobilized for aortic graft infections. ASA score was &gt;4 in 9/11 (81.9%). At the index cardiac surgery, 11/11 (100%) underwent aortic root repair/replacement, and 9/11 (81.9%) also underwent aortic valve repair/replacement. Indications in this group for flap surgery included culture-positive infection (8/11; 72.7%), dehiscence (5/11; 45.5%), drainage (7/11; 63.6%), and inability to close the sternotomy incision due to hemodynamic instability (5/11; 45.5%). During chest exploration, 7/11 (63.6%) underwent complete removal of the infected graft, compared to 4/11 (36.4%) who underwent graft-preserving washout and debridement. Immediate flap closure was performed in 4/11 (36.4%). Intraoperative mediastinal cultures were positive in 3/11 (27.3%). Post-operative complications included dehiscence (1/11; 9.1%), seroma (2/11; 18.2%), hematoma (1/11, 9.1%), abdominal hernia (1/11; 9.1%), and recurrent infection (1/11; 9.1%). One (9.1%) patient died within 30 days of sternal reconstruction from mitral valve failure and a tachyarrhythmia. None have undergone reoperation for flap-related complications, while one patient underwent elective resection due to aesthetic complaints. Conclusions: Low postoperative morbidity and mortality indicate that combined omental and pectoralis major flaps are a safe and effective treatment for aortic graft infections.

Surgical management of traumatic sternal body nonunions: Technical tricks and clinical experience.

Rarely, traumatic sternum fractures may result in nonunion, which can have drastic, negative implications. Literature on traumatic sternal nonunion reconstruction outcomes is limited to case reports. We present the surgical principles and report clinical outcomes for seven patients following surgical reconstruction of a traumatic sternal body nonunion. Consecutive adult patients with a nonunion after a traumatic sternum fracture who underwent reconstruction using locking plate technology and iliac crest bone graft at a Level I trauma center from 2013 to 2021 were identified. Demographic, injury, and surgery data was collected, and postoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were obtained. Patient-reported outcome scores included the one-question single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE), and the combined 10-question global physical health and global mental health values. Injuries were classified and all fractures were mapped onto a sternum template. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed for union. Of the study's seven patients, five were female, and the mean age was 58 years. Mechanism of injury included motor vehicle collision (5) and blunt object chest trauma (2). The mean time from initial fracture to nonunion fixation was 9 months. Four of the seven patients achieved in-clinic follow-up at ≥12 months (mean = 14.3 months), while the other three achieved ≥6 months of in-clinic follow-up. Six patients completed outcomes surveys ≥12 months after surgery (mean = 28.9 months). Mean PRO scores at final follow-up included: SANE of 75 (out of 100), and global physical health and global mental health of 44 and 47, respectively (US population mean = 50).Six of seven patients achieved known radiographic union. We describe an effective and practical method of achieving stable fixation in traumatic sternal body nonunions as evidenced by the positive clinical outcomes of a seven-patient series. Despite the variation in presentation and fracture morphology of this rare injury, the surgical technique and principles outlined can serve as a useful tool for chest wall surgeons. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Sternal cleft reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix and full-thickness calvarial graft.

We describe reconstruction of a sternal cleft in a neonate using acellular dermal matrix, full-thickness calvarial bone graft and myocutaneous pectoralis flaps.

Sternal Reconstruction Using 3D-Printed Titanium Custom-Made Prosthesis for Sternal Dehiscence After Cardiac Surgery.

Sternal dehiscence is an important complication that increases mortality and morbidity in cardiac surgery. Titanium plates have been used to reconstruct the chest wall for a long time. However, with the rise of 3D printing technology, a more sophisticated method, is making a breakthrough. Custom-made 3D-printed titanium prostheses are increasingly used in chest wall reconstruction because they allow almost perfect fitting to the patient's chest wall and lead to good functional and cosmetic results. This report presents a complex anterior chest wall reconstruction using a custom-made titanium 3D-printed implant in a patient with a sternal dehiscence after coronary artery bypass surgery. At first, reconstruction of the sternum was performed using conventional methods, which failed to give adequate results. Finally, a 3D-printed titanium custom-made prosthesis was used for the first time in our center. On the short- and mid-term follow up, good functional results were achieved. In conclusion, this method is suitable for sternal reconstruction after complications in the healing process of median sternotomy wounds in cardiac surgery, especially where other methods do not provide satisfactory results.

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap: a narrative review on its various uses in non-breast reconstruction.

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap was first described by Koshima and Soeda in 1989 and is now well-established as the gold standard in breast reconstruction. Lately, this issue has been explored in the context of head and neck reconstruction, highlighting growing interest in the use of the DIEP flap beyond breast reconstruction, but its usage in other anatomical regions appears elusive. Nevertheless, DIEP flap reconstruction may be a viable choice for complex, three-dimensional head and neck deformities while upholding the criteria of minimal donor site morbidity, according to a recent review. To determine whether the DIEP flap may be used successfully in other types of reconstruction, we conducted a review on the use, applications, and outcomes of the DIEP flap in non-breast reconstruction. This is, as far as we are aware, the first comprehensive analysis of all applications of the DIEP flap other than for breast reconstruction. A literature review was performed using PubMed to include all relevant articles in English or French published up to February 2022. Keywords included "DIEP flap" and "deep inferior epigastric perforator flap". A total of 1,299 articles were identified with 105 on the use of the DIEP flap in non-breast reconstruction. This suggests increasing recognition of the DIEP flap as a feasible option for reconstruction of most anatomical regions, especially in lower limb and head and neck reconstruction, followed by gynecological reconstruction. The DIEP flap was also utilized in the reconstruction of upper limb, thigh and hip defects. Less commonly, it has been used for penoscrotal, groin, sternal, buttock and abdomen reconstruction. The scientific body of evidence showed the robustness and versatility of the DIEP flap in non-breast reconstruction, with its relative pros and cons at different anatomical regions.

Surgical treatment of a sternal cleft associated with pectus excavatum

Sternal cleft is a rare congenital chest wall deformity, with a reported incidence of 1 in 100,000 live births, accounting for less than 1% of all chest wall deformities. Patients with sternal clefts can be asymptomatic; however, most cases have recurrent respiratory infections and cosmetic disfigurement. Therefore, surgical correction of this deformity is still necessary to address cosmetic issues, assuage parental concerns, and prevent repeated respiratory infections caused by paradoxical breathing patterns. Here, we report a case of complete sternal cleft associated with pectus excavatum that was successfully treated with sternal reconstruction and pectus bar insertion.

Using Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Specialty Dressings over Incisions following Sternal Dehiscence Reconstruction.

This was an observational, retrospective cohort study of patients with SSCs following index cardiothoracic procedures. A single surgeon performed chest wall reconstruction using muscle flaps followed by closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT; -125 mm Hg) using a ciNPT specialty dressing with an expanded coverage area to resolve sternal defects. Dressing changes occurred every 7 days. Postoperative follow-up appointments occurred after 30 days. Sixteen consecutive sternal reconstruction patients (six women and 10 men) with multiple comorbidities and an average age of 61.1 years were included in an initial evaluation of the ciNPT specialty dressing over median sternotomy incisions revised using flaps. The duration of ciNPT was 14 days with a single dressing change at day 7. At the initial dressing change, 93.8% of incisions were closed. Within 30 days postreconstruction, 18.8% of the patients had SSCs (hematoma or dehiscence). No seromas were noted. At 30-day follow-up appointments, 93.8% of incisions remained closed. Patients reported reduced pain and swelling. Average inpatient length of stay was 12.2 ± 14.2 days. In these patients, ciNPT using the ciNPT specialty dressing helped to facilitate positive healing outcomes in patients with deep sternal wound infections following sternal defect reconstruction post cardiothoracic surgery.

Mortality after sternal reconstruction with pectoralis major flap vs omental flap for postsurgical mediastinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Deep sternal wound infections are rare but severe complications after median sternotomy and can be managed with sternal reconstruction. The use of pectoralis major flap (PMF) has traditionally been the first-line approach for flap reconstruction but the advantage in patients' survival when compared to the omental flap (OF) transposition is still not clear. We performed a study-level meta-analysis evaluating the association of the type of flap on postoperative outcomes. A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify all studies comparing the postoperative outcomes of PMF versus OF for sternal reconstruction. The primary outcome was postoperative mortality. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of sepsis, pneumonia, operative time, and length of stay. Binary outcomes were pooled using an inverse variance method and reported as odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Continuous outcomes were pooled using an inverse variance method and reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% CI. Four studies with a total of 528 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, 443 patients had PMF reconstruction, and 85 patients had OF reconstruction. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between PMF patients and OF patients in mortality (OR 0.6 [0.16; 2.17]; p = .09), sepsis (OR 1.1 [0.49; 2.47]; p = .43), pneumonia (OR 0.72 [0.18; 2.8]; p = .11), length of stay (SMD -0.59 [-2.03; 0.85]; p < .01), and operative time (SMD 0.08 [-1.21; 1.57]; p < .01). Our analysis found no association between the type of flap and postoperative mortality, the incidence of pneumonia, sepsis, operation time, and length of stay.

The sternum reconstruction: Present and future perspectives.

Sternectomy is a procedure mainly used for removing tumor masses infiltrating the sternum or treating infections. Moreover, the removal of the sternum involves the additional challenge of performing a functional reconstruction. Fortunately, various approaches have been proposed for improving the operation and outcome of reconstruction, including allograft transplantation, using novel materials, and developing innovative surgical approaches, which promise to enhance the quality of life for the patient. This review will highlight the surgical approaches to sternum reconstruction and the new perspectives in the current literature.

Combined pectoralis and rectus abdominis flaps are associated with improved outcomes in sternal reconstruction

BackgroundMortality increases nearly 5-fold in the approximately 5% of patients who develop sternal wound complications after cardiothoracic surgery. Flap-based reconstruction can improve outcomes by providing well-vascularized soft tissue for potential space obliteration, antibiotic delivery, and wound coverage; however, reoperation and readmission rates remain high. This study used the high case volume at a tertiary referral center and a diverse range of reconstructive approaches to compare various types of flap reconstruction. Combined (pectoralis and rectus abdominis) flap reconstruction is hypothesized to decrease sternal wound complication–related adverse outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients treated for cardiothoracic surgery sternal wound complications between 2008 and 2018 was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, wound characteristics, surgical parameters, and perioperative data were collected. Multivariable regression modeling with stepwise forward selection was used to characterize predictive factors for sternal wound–related readmissions and reoperations. ResultsIn total, 215 patients were assessed for sternal wound reconstruction. Patient mortality at 1 year was 12.4%. Flap selection was significantly associated with sternal wound–related readmissions (P = .017) and reoperations (P = .014). Multivariate regression demonstrated rectus abdominis flap reconstruction independently predicted increased readmissions (odds ratio 3.4, P = .008) and reoperations (odds ratio 2.9, P = .038). Combined pectoralis and rectus abdominis flap reconstruction independently predicted decreased readmissions overall (odds ratio 0.4, P = .031) and in the deep sternal wound subgroup (odds ratio 0.1, P = .033). ConclusionAlthough few factors can be modified in this complex highly comorbid population with a challenging and rare surgical problem, consideration of a more surgically aggressive multiflap reconstructive approach may be justified to improve outcomes.