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

Background

Aortic 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. We describe our experience with treating thoracic aortic vascular graft infection with combined omental and bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMM) advancement flaps.

Methods

Data from all 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.

Results

Complete 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%). Postoperative 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 of the patients underwent reoperation for flap-related complications.

Conclusions

Despite 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.