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The bone marrow adjusts blood cell production to meet physiological demands in response to insults. The spatial organization of normal and stress responses are unknown owing to the lack of methods to visualize most steps of blood production. Here we develop strategies to image multipotent haematopoiesis, erythropoiesis and lymphopoiesis in mice. We combine these with imaging of myelopoiesis 1 to define the anatomy of normal and stress haematopoiesis. In the steady state, across the skeleton, single stem cells and multipotent progenitors distribute through the marrow enriched near megakaryocytes. Lineage-committed progenitors are recruited to blood vessels, where they contribute to lineage-specific microanatomical structures composed of progenitors and immature cells, which function as the production sites for each major blood lineage. This overall anatomy is resilient to insults, as it was maintained after haemorrhage, systemic bacterial infection and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment, and during ageing. Production sites enable haematopoietic plasticity as they differentially and selectively modulate their numbers and output in response to insults. We found that stress responses are variable across the skeleton: the tibia and the sternum respond in opposite ways to G-CSF, and the skull does not increase erythropoiesis after haemorrhage. Our studies enable in situ analyses of haematopoiesis, define the anatomy of normal and stress responses, identify discrete microanatomical production sites that confer plasticity to haematopoiesis, and uncover unprecedented heterogeneity of stress responses across the skeleton., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: The aim of this anatomical study was to describe a local perforator flap, for covering shoulder defects, by determining the features of the acromial branch of the thoraco-acromial artery (abTAA), and the supplied cutaneous area., Methods: Thirteen fresh cadaveric thoraxes were dissected bilaterally. A precise and reproducible protocol was performed. For each abTAA flap cadaveric dissection, the following parameters were measured after arterial injection: distances between the origin of the perforator artery on the abTAA and the sternum, the acromion, the clavicle, diameter of the perforator artery of the abTAA, length of the perforator pedicle course through major pectoralis muscle, and rotation arc. We also calculated the surface of the injected skin paddle. These measurements were related to morphometric parameters evaluated through the distance between sternum and acromion., Results: The mean distances measured from the origin of the perforator artery on the abTAA were 14.25 cm to the sternum, 3.45 cm to the acromion, 5.65 cm to the clavicle. The mean diameter of the abTAA was 1.20 mm ± 0.2. The arc of rotation was 180°, and the length of the perforator pedicle could be extended to 7.46 cm ± 1.15. We observed an colored elliptical cutaneous paddle with a longer radius 18 cm and a small radius 15 cm., Conclusions: Our results suggest that this type of flap could be useful in clinical practice for reconstruction and covering of the acromial area with a thin cutaneous flap with low sequelae on the donor site.

Objective: To describe the effect of low ambient temperature on skin temperature and capillary refill (CR) time in forehead, sternum and finger pulp., Methods: An observational, nonrandomized experimental study on 15 healthy subjects (6 females) in a cold room (8°C). Outcome measures were skin temperature and quantified CR test after application of a standardized blanching pressure (9 N/cm 2 ) using digital photographic polarization spectroscopy to generate CR times., Results: The finger pulp showed marked temperature fall and prolonged CR times (>10 seconds). The CR registrations of the forehead and sternum were more comparable to curves observed in a control material at room temperature, and skin temperature falls were less marked. CR times were not prolonged in forehead measurements. At the sternum, some individuals showed CR times beyond guideline recommendations despite only a marginal reduction in skin temperature., Conclusions: Low ambient temperature is a strong independent factor for CR time at peripheral sites. Reservation about sternum as a site of measurement is warranted since cold provocation produced prolonged CR times in some individuals. We found that the forehead is the most thermostable of the 3 sites and thus the preferred site to avoid ambient temperature artifact in measuring CR time., (© 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Background: Coronary bypass surgery using the internal mammary artery (IMA) is among the most commonly performed procedures in treatment of advanced coronary vessel disease. Further, bilateral harvesting of the IMA is associated with increased rates of sternal wound infections., Objective: This study aimed to explore changes in sternal perfusion, following left internal mammary artery (LIMA) harvesting., Methods: 60 patients were divided equally into intervention- and control cohorts and underwent assessment of oxygen saturation (sO2) and relative blood flow (RBF) by laser doppler flowmetry remission spectroscopy preoperatively, 24 h and 72 h postoperatively., Results: 24 h postoperatively a significant decrease of sO2 and RBF could be detected in LIMA harvest patients. After 72 h this difference disappeared. The side comparison within the groups 24 h postoperatively revealed a reduction of sO2 on the LIMA side within both groups. Regarding the 24 h RBF in side comparison, no significant differences could be detected within the groups. The 72 h side comparison showed an increased RBF for the non-LIMA side within the control group., Conclusions: The use of the LIMA may lead to significant decreases in local tissue oxygen saturation and RBF. This reduction is mostly distinct within the first 3 days postoperatively and may influence sternal wound infections.

Objective: To determine the agreement between peripheral and central capillary refill time (pCRT/cCRT) and their diagnostic values for detecting serious bacterial infection (SBI) in febrile children attending the paediatric emergency department (ED)., Design: Prospective observational study., Setting: Paediatric ED, Erasmus Medium Care-Sophia Children's hospital, the Netherlands., Patients: 1193 consecutively included, previously healthy, febrile children (1 month-16 years) with both pCRT measurements and cCRT measurements available. SBI diagnosis was based on abnormal radiographic findings and/or positive cultures from normally sterile locations in addition to clinical criteria., Main Outcome Measures: Agreement between pCRT and cCRT (Cohen's κ), overall and stratified for age and body temperature. The diagnostic value of pCRT and cCRT for SBI was assessed with logistic regression., Results: Overall agreement was 0.35 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.43; considered 'fair'). Although not significant, agreement was lower in children aged 1-<5 years (κ: 0.15 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.27)) and decreased with higher body temperatures with κ ranging from 0.55 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.79) for temperature <37.5°C to 0.21 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.34) for temperature >39.5°C. Abnormal pCRT (>2 s) was observed in 153 (12.8%; 95% CI 10.9% to 14.7%) and abnormal cCRT in 55 (4.6%; 95% CI 3.4% to 5.8%) children. The OR of abnormal pCRT (>2 s) for predicting SBI was 1.10 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.84). For abnormal cCRT (>2 s), the OR was 0.43 (95% CI 0.13 to 1.39)., Conclusions: The pCRT and cCRT values showed only fair agreement in a general population of febrile children at the ED, and no significant association with age or body temperature was found. Only a small part of febrile children at risk for serious infections at the ED show abnormal CRT values. Both abnormal pCRT and cCRT (defined as >2 s) performed poorly and were non-significant in this study detecting SBI in a general population of febrile children., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.)

The use of internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts for coronary artery bypass may devascularize the sternum. We performed a literature review by searching the PubMed database for studies that assessed sternal perfusion after IMA harvesting. The majority of papers describe various techniques and compared (1) IMA harvest versus no IMA harvest, (2) single versus bilateral, and (3) skeletonized versus pedicled. Evidence is inconclusive as to whether single harvesting causes significant devascularisation and whether this is increased with bilateral harvesting. Sternal ischemia may also be a transient phenomenon. However, skeletonization may preserve perfusion more than pedicled harvesting, particularly in diabetic patients., (Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The left internal mammary artery is the conduit of choice for bypassing the left anterior descending artery. A 72-year-old man underwent off-pump triple-vessel coronary artery bypass. The left internal mammary artery was harvested with brisk blood flow from the distal artery on completion of harvesting, but normal sternal retraction with a Medtronic OctoBase retractor led to cessation of flow. A vein graft was utilized for the left anterior descending artery, and the internal mammary artery was grafted to the first diagonal branch. Computed tomography-angiography on postoperative day 5 demonstrated no possible cause of the reduced flow on sternal retraction., (© The Author(s) 2013 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of parasternal pulmonary artery (PA) short-axis view for the anomalous origin of left coronary artery (LCA) from the pulmonary artery by echocardiography., Methods: A total of 13 patients (3 boys) aged from 2 months to 12 years were enrolled. Transthoracic echocardiography, including cross-sectional imaging and color Doppler flow imaging, were performed, and their diagnoses were confirmed by operation., Results: Among the 13 patients, 7 had LCA originated from the left posterior wall of PA, 2 from the posterior wall, and 4 from the right posterior wall. The PA short-axis view could visualize the anomalous origin of the LCA from left posterior or posterior wall of PA clearly. The LCA and aortic wall were overlapping at 3-4 o'clock at PA short-axis view in the patients with LCA originating from the right posterior wall of PA. It was similar with the image of the LCA originating from the aorta. But the blood flow was opposite to that of LCA with normal origin., Conclusions: The parasternal PA short-axis view is a good view to visualize the anomalous origin of the LCA., (Copyright © 2013 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To determine the agreement of fingertip and sternum capillary refill time (CRT) in children., Design: Prospective, method-comparison study., Setting: Single children's emergency department, UK PARTICIPANTS: 92 children aged 0-12 years, with clinical observations within normal ranges for their age, no relevant medical history and presenting to hospital with a minor illness or injury., Main Outcome Measures: Agreement between fingertip and sternum CRT measurements., Results: Fingertip CRT ranged from 0.05 to 2.78 s with a mean of 1.08±0.44 and sternum CRT ranged from 0.85 to 2.38 s with a mean of 1.5±0.33. There was a significant difference between fingertip and sternum CRT (t=-9.2, df=91, p=<0.001) and a weak association between the two measurements (r=0.18, p=0.9). A Bland Altman comparison showed the mean difference between fingertip and sternum CRT was -0.49±0.51 with an upper and lower limit of agreement ranging from -1.5 (95% CI -1.69 to -1.32) to 0.53 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.71)., Conclusions: Measurements of CRT taken at the fingertip and sternum are not comparable. Fingertip CRT was faster than sternum CRT. Normal CRT is 2-3 s. The current study questions the usefulness of CRT in the assessment of circulation in children.

Background: Internal mammary artery (IMA) harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) influences tissue perfusion and represents a risk factor for deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). Cephalosporins are routinely administered for prophylaxis during cardiac operations to decrease perioperative wound infections. We hypothesized that mammary artery preparation impairs antibiotic penetration into presternal tissue during CABG., Methods: Eight patients undergoing skeletonized left mammary artery harvesting for CABG were included. Standard antibiotic prophylaxis was administered: 4 g of cefazolin before skin incision and an additional 2 g during skin closure. Concentrations of cefazolin were measured in subcutaneous tissue on the presternal right and left sides (surgically affected) after sternotomy and additionally in subcutaneous tissue on the thigh (surgically unaffected) by microdialysis over a 10-hour period., Results: Mean peak tissue concentration and the area under the curve (AUC) on the left sternal side were significantly reduced compared with the right side and compared with the thigh (mean peak concentration, 13.1±5.8 versus 24.1±4.7 and 27.8±9.7 μg/mL; p=0.005 and p=0.013; AUC 74.2±31.0 versus 110.4±25.0 and 140.3±46.3 μg×hours per milliliter; p=0.004 and p=0.002). Mean subcutaneous concentrations of cefazolin on the left sternal side exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC90) of Staphylococcus epidermidis of 4 μg/mL in only 5 of 8 (37.5%) patients after 5 hours., Conclusions: IMA harvesting significantly impairs local antibiotic penetration during CABG. Common antibiotic dosing schemas should be reevaluated in this cardiac surgical setting., (Copyright © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We compared sternal wound infections between diabetic patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery using bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting or single internal thoracic artery grafting and nondiabetic patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery or single internal thoracic artery grafting using a modified pedicled harvest technique of internal thoracic artery., Methods: This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data from 3072 patients who underwent primary coronary artery bypass surgery using an off-pump technique from August 2004 to October 2010. Of the 1211 diabetic patients, 181 received bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts (group 1) and 1030 received single internal thoracic artery grafts (group 2). Of the 1861 nondiabetic patients, 161 received bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts (group 3) and 1700 received single internal thoracic artery grafts (group 4). The incidence of postoperative sternal wound infections in diabetic patients who received bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting was compared with the incidence in other groups (group 2, 3, and 4). A modified technique of pedicled harvesting of the internal thoracic artery was done in patients receiving bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting, and a standard pedicled harvest was used in patients receiving single internal thoracic artery grafts., Results: No significant differences were present in the preoperative variables among the groups. The observed rate of superficial sternal wound infections in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 1.1% (2 patients), 1.65% (17 patients), 1.86% (3 patients), and 1.65% (28 patients), respectively (P=.9941). Deep sternal infections were observed in 1 (0.55%), 5 (0.48%), 1 (0.62%), and 14 patients (0.82%) in groups 1 through 4, respectively (P=.8380). Multivariate analysis showed that bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting (P=.889), diabetes mellitus (P=.96), and patient age were not predictors of sternal wound infection., Conclusions: The results of the present study show that there is no increase in the incidence of sternal wound infections in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery with bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting by using a modified pedicle bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting technique with sparing of the communicating bifurcation of internal thoracic artery to the chest wall and preservation of pericardiacophrenic artery branch., (Copyright © 2012 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The use of bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BIMA) for coronary artery revascularization is associated with better long-term survival and longer freedom from reoperation. Concerns of deep sternal wound infections and mediastinitis have constantly emerged with the utilization of BIMA grafts on a routine basis, especially in diabetic patients., Methods: We performed a quantitative evaluation of sternal bone healing and angiogenesis after left (LIMA) or bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) ligation two and four weeks after sternotomy in normal and diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats., Results: The BIMA group showed a significant increase in neoangiogenesis two weeks after surgery compared to LIMA and control groups (control: 38.3 ± 5.1 vessels/mm², LIMA: 31.4 ± 3.6 vessels/mm², BIMA: 81.6 ± 7.7 vessels/mm²; P=0.047 and P=0.04, respectively). Four weeks after the procedure, bilateral devascularization was associated with lower microvessel formation when compared to LIMA or control groups (control: 50.4 ± 5.2 vessels/mm², LIMA: 64.6 ± 4.9 vessels/mm²; BIMA: 31.5 ± 4.4 vessels/mm²; P=0.006 and P=0.02, respectively). Diabetic animals showed similar results with lower four weeks microvessel formation. However, there were no significant differences when animals with induced diabetes were compared to the normal euglycemic groups for each procedure performed., Conclusion: BIMA ligation promotes an early increase in neoangiogenesis. Progressive sternal consolidation is associated with a significant lower level of capillaries and arterioles in the BIMA group four weeks after ligation. Diabetes did not influence the extent of neoangiogenesis between groups with similar procedures. More important clinical determinants could explain the increase incidence of sternal infection in this specific population.

Objective: The effect of harvesting the internal thoracic artery (ITA) on blood supply to the sternum is not completely understood. Using a novel laser Doppler flow meter, we evaluated changes in sternum microcirculation prior to and after ITA harvesting., Methods: Forty-six patients (37 males, 69.4 ± 7.9 years) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled into the study and divided into skeletonized (n = 23) and pedicled (n = 23) groups of patients with a left ITA. All right ITA were harvested using the skeletonized method. Sternal blood flow was measured presternally and retrosternally in the upper, middle, and lower sternal parts with a novel laser Doppler flow meter that measures blood flow at 1-mm depth using a 780-nm laser. Following median sternotomy, blood flow was measured before and after ITA harvesting., Results: In all patients (46 left and 16 right ITA cases), the middle part of the retrosternal microcirculation deteriorated (middle: pre- 2.71 ± 1.49, post- 2.43 ± 1.01 ml min(-1)100 g(-1); p < 0.05), while blood flow of other parts did not change. In patients with left ITA divided into skeletonized and pedicled groups, although middle retrosternal blood flow decreased after harvesting in both groups, there was no difference in deterioration between the groups. In patients with right ITA, the middle and lower retrosternal blood flow also deteriorated., Conclusions: The degree of sternal microcirculation damage after ITA harvesting is not different between skeletonized and pedicled group patients, suggesting that skeletonization is not advantageous for maintaining sternal microcirculation., (Copyright © 2010 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The control of sternal bleeding during cardiac surgery can sometimes be a challenging and time-consuming problem for surgeons. Several alternatives for the control of sternal bleeding are on the market. Bone wax is a well-known alternative used by many cardiac surgeons for the control of bleeding. It is effective and cheap; however, it inhibits ossification of the sternum and can cause infections and sternal wound healing problems after cardiac surgery. Consequently, control of sternal bleeding without the use of bone wax requires meticulous preparation. Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) (Ankaferd Sağlik Ürünleri, Istanbul, Turkey) is a unique folkloric medicinal plant extract that has been used in Turkish traditional medicine as a hemostatic agent. We present a practical alternative technique for the control of sternal bleeding during cardiac surgery with the use of ABS.

Objective: In some patients with chest wall defects, free tissue transfer is indicated. Complications arise if multiple operations have left the trunk devoid of recipient vessels. In such patients, an arteriovenous loop between the cephalic vein and the thoracoacromial artery can be used., Methods: A review of all our patients who underwent chest wall reconstruction with a cephalic vein-thoracoacromial artery loop between 2000 and 2009 was performed (n = 29, 19 women and 10 men). The mean age was 64.9 years. Underlying causes were sternal osteomyelitis (n = 20), tumor (n = 4), and osteoradionecrosis (n = 5). All patients were in American Society of Anesthesiologists classes III and IV. Flap selection, intraoperative and postoperative complications, operative time, time of ventilatory support, mean hospital stay, and midterm survival were recorded., Results: Twenty-five patients received a tensor fascia lata flap, 2 a vertical rectus myocutaneuos flap, and 2 a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Mean duration of surgery was 6.8 hours (4.7-10.5 hours). Two transplanted tissue flaps died and/or had to be removed and 4 were revised successfully. Seven patients had wound complications such as infection or prolonged wound healing. Mean time for ventilator support was 93.6 hours (4-463 hours). The median intensive care unit time was 11 days and the overall hospital stay 27.4 days (11-102 days). One-year survival in the whole group was 69.8%., Conclusions: The concept of arteriovenous loops allows creation of neovessels at the recipient site and has proven to be a superb tool to facilitate free tissue transfer or to provide an exit strategy in situations with unexpected vascular problems at the recipient site., (Copyright © 2010 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome and technical feasibility of sternal resection., Methods: We performed a 25-year retrospective study of 68 patients who underwent a sternectomy for sarcoma, recurrent breast cancer (BC) or radiation-induced necrosis between 1981 and 2006 in two tertiary referral centres (Erasmus Medical Center/Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center and Netherlands Cancer Center/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Netherlands). Patients were treated with curative intent and followed until May 2009. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, indications for surgery, surgical technique, postoperative complications, and survival., Results: Sternal resection was performed in 43 sarcoma patients, 17 recurrent BC and 8 patients with radiation-induced necrosis with additional rib resection in the majority of patients and with clavicle resection in 13% of patients. Additional scapula, lung, breast or axilla resection, or both, was performed in 10%. Two patients died postoperatively (3%). Mild complications occurred in 24%, and severe complications (namely, pulmonary complications and reinterventions) in 16% of patients. Radical resection was achieved in 80% and 53% of sarcoma and recurrent BC patients, respectively. Five-year overall survival was 64% and 40% in sarcoma and recurrent BC patients, respectively, with 5-year disease-free survivals of 52% and 15%, respectively., Conclusions: Sarcomas, recurrent BC, and radiation-induced necrosis can be successfully managed by sternal resection and reconstruction with curative intent. Low mortality and acceptable morbidity rates justify this operation in a palliative setting as well. Disease-free survival is poor among recurrent BC patients., (Copyright © 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The case of a 17-year-old male with congenital heart disease who was found to have erosion of a pseudoaneurysm into his posterior sternum is presented. The pseudoaneurysm originated from a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery homograft, which had been placed 11 years before. It had not been appreciated by echocardiography. The pseudoaneurysm and erosion were visualized with computed tomographic angiography before scheduled surgical replacement of the homograft. This unexpected finding was critical for operative planning and was confirmed on direct visualization in the operating room., (2010 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We aimed to assess the relationship between the clinical and biochemical parameters of perfusion and superior vena cava (SVC) flow in a prospective observational cohort study of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Newborns with congenital heart disease were excluded. Echocardiographic evaluation of SVC flow was performed in the first 24 h of life. Capillary refill time (forehead, sternum and toe), mean blood pressure, urine output and serum lactate concentration were also measured simultaneously. Thirty-eight VLBW infants were examined. Eight patients (21%) had SVC flow less than 40 ml/kg/min. There was a poor correlation between the capillary refill time (in all sites), mean blood pressure, urine output and SVC flow. The correlation coefficient for the serum lactate concentration was r = -0.28, p = 0.15. The median serum lactate concentration was 3.5 (range 2.8-8.5) vs. 2.7 (range 1.2-6.9) mmol/l (p = 0.01) in low flow versus normal flow states. A serum lactate concentration of >2.8 was 100% sensitive and 60% specific for detecting a low flow state. Combining a capillary refill time of >4 s with a serum lactate concentration of >4 mmol/l had a specificity of 97% for detecting a low SVC flow state. Serum lactate concentrations are higher in low SVC flow states. A capillary refill time of >4 s combined with serum lactate concentrations >4 mmol/l increased the specificity and positive and negative predictive values of detecting a low SVC flow state.

Objective: To assess, by scintillography, the effect of using bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) - prepared by two different techniques - on the sternal perfusion., Methods: 35 patients undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were divided into two groups: Group A (18) had both ITA's dissected using skeletonization technique and group B (17) as pedicle preparation. There was no difference in the two groups relating gender, age and demographic characteristics. On the 7th postoperative day the patients underwent bone scintillography. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test with 95% significance., Results: Group A (skeletonized ITA) showed higher perfusion (11.5%) of the sternum as a mean, than Group B (pedicled ITA) patients; however this was not statistically significant (P = 0.127). On the other hand, comparing the diabetic population, seven in each group, there was a marked 47.4% higher perfusion of the sternum in Group A patients (skeletonized ITA) comparing to Group B (pedicled ITA) and this difference reached statistical significance (P = 0.004)., Conclusion: 1- Sternal perfusion is not affected significantly apart from the dissection technique used for both internal thoracic arteries in the general population when assessed by bone scintillography. 2 - In the diabetic subgroup, a significant preservation of the sternal perfusion was observed in patients undergone skeletonized dissection of the internal thoracic arteries. Although these findings should be confirmed in a greater number of cases, diabetic patients should have the internal thoracic arteries dissected using skeletonization techinque.

Objective: We aimed to preserve sternal vascularity better by harvesting only midsegment of the right internal thoracic artery (RITA) than using conventional bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) harvesting method, and we evaluated the sternal vascularity with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)., Methods: In this prospective clinical randomized investigation, 135 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) were divided into three groups: Full-RITA group who had a full length of both ITA as a graft for CABG (n=45); mid-RITA group - a midsegment of RITA and left internal thoracic artery (LITA) (n=45); and non-RITA group who had only LITA (n=45). Before and after surgery, all patients underwent a bone scan with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to evaluate the sternal vascular activity. Comparisons of variables were performed by Chi-square, ANOVA, Tukey HSD and paired t test as appropriate. The Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparisons., Results: Postoperative early scans (6.9+/- 0.9 days) showed a reduction of blood flow in the both sides of the sternum compared with the preoperative scans (p<0.001). In full-RITA group, there was no significant difference between left and right hemi-sternum (0.56+/- 0.04 and 0.55+/- 0.02 respectively). However, in mid-RITA and non-RITA groups, right hemi-sternum showed significantly better vascularity than left hemi-sternum in the early postoperative period (p<0.001). Three patients (6.6%) with diabetes mellitus in full-RITA group had sternal infection; one of them was deep sternal infection with dehiscence. In mid-RITA group, there was only two patients who had superficial infection (4.4%) and in non-RITA group there was no infection (p=0.234)., Conclusion: Mid-RITA harvesting technique can be preferred to preserve sternal vascularity better than conventional technique. By improving new techniques and methods, more acceptable sternal complications could be achieved than full-RITA technique.

Objective: The conclusions remain controversial about whether the sternal blood flow is preserved or diminished after internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), especially in diabetic patients. We investigated the blood supply of the chest wall noninvasively using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) immediately after CABG., Methods: The study group comprised 30 patients who underwent CABG using a skeletonized left ITA through median sternotomy. As a control group, three nondiabetic patients undergoing valve surgery through median sternotomy were also included. On arrival of the patient in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery, two reflectance sensors were placed on the bilateral parasternal regions at the fourth intercostal space to record regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) and hemoglobin index (HbI) continuously approximately for 17 h., Results: The differences in right and left values (R-L rSO(2) and R-L HbI) were significantly greater in the diabetic patients than in the nondiabetic patients (3.74% +/- 2.47% vs. 1.98% +/- 1.67 %, p = 0.036; and 0.28 +/- 0.19 vs. 0.13 +/- 0.13, p = 0.020). The R-L HbI was significantly greater in the on-pump patients than in the off-pump patients, although there was no significant difference in R-L rSO(2). Both R-L rSO(2) and R-L HbI were similar among the control, nondiabetic, and off-pump patients., Conclusion: The technique of NIRS enables noninvasive, continuous monitoring of chest wall perfusion immediately after ITA harvesting. Our study using NIRS showed a decrease in blood flow and oxygen metabolism of the hemisternum after LITA harvest in diabetic CABG patients.

Objective: Topical negative pressure therapy has excellent healing effects in poststernotomy mediastinitis. Topical negative pressure therapy reduces bacterial counts, increases wound edge microvascular blood flow and granulation tissue formation, and facilitates healing. No study has yet been performed to examine the effect of topical negative pressure on the blood and fluid content in the sternal bone marrow, which is a crucial component in osteitis., Methods: Eight pigs underwent median sternotomy, left internal thoracic artery harvesting, followed by topical negative pressure treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to quantify both tissue fluid and/or blood content (T2-weighted short tau inversion recovery [T2-STIR]) and internal thoracic artery blood flow (flow quantification)., Results: Before application of topical negative pressure, the T2-STIR signal intensity ratio was lower for the left than for the right hemisternum (left, 1.3; right, 2.6), indicating lower levels of tissue fluid content on the left, devascularized side. On application of topical negative pressure, the T2-STIR signal intensity ratio increased immediately for both the sternal bone and the pectoral muscle (left hemisternum after 4 minutes of topical negative pressure: 2.3), leveled off after 4 minutes, and remained unchanged for the ensuing 40 minutes, suggesting movement of fluid and/or blood into the tissue of the wound edge. Topical negative pressure did not affect blood flow in the right internal thoracic artery., Conclusions: T2-STIR measurements show that topical negative pressure increases sternotomy wound edge tissue fluid and/or blood content. Topical negative pressure creates a pressure gradient that presumably draws fluid from the surrounding tissue to the sternal wound edge and into the vacuum source. This "endogenous drainage" may be one possible mechanism by which osteitis is resolved by topical negative pressure in poststernotomy mediastinitis.

Objective: In human patients the influence of skeletonized internal thoracic artery harvesting on the sternal microcirculation in the perioperative phase has not been well investigated., Methods: Twenty-four consecutive male patients who were scheduled for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. The left internal thoracic artery was harvested by using the skeletonized technique in group 1, and it was harvested with a pedicle in group 2. Superficial (2 mm) and deep (8 mm) tissue oxygen saturation and blood flow were measured presternally and retrosternally in the upper, middle, and lower sternal parts with a novel laser Doppler flowmetric and remission spectroscopic system (Oxygen-to-See; LEA Medizintechnik, Giessen, Germany)., Results: Presternal tissue oxygen saturation deteriorated at the upper and middle sternum, and presternal blood flow deteriorated at all measurement points after internal thoracic artery harvesting in both groups. Skeletonization had no advantage in maintaining presternal microcirculation. Retrosternal microcirculation also deteriorated at all measurement points after internal thoracic artery harvesting in both groups. However, the deterioration of the retrosternal microcirculation was significantly less in group 1 at the middle and lower sternum; values of oxygen saturation to the baseline were 86% +/- 3.8% versus 60% +/- 4.3% (P = .001) at 2-mm depth and 82% +/- 4.2% versus 61% +/- 6.1% (P = .009) at 8-mm depth at the middle sternum and 95% +/- 3.2% versus 78% +/- 1.3% (P = .001) at 2-mm depth and 94% +/- 2.2% versus 78% +/- 4.6% (P = .004) at 8-mm depth at the lower sternum in groups 1 and 2, respectively., Conclusion: The damage of the tissue microcirculation in the middle and lower retrosternal area is significantly less after internal thoracic artery skeletonization compared with that after the pedicled internal thoracic artery harvesting technique.

Summary: : Vacuum-assisted closure has been adopted as the first-line treatment for poststernotomy mediastinitis as a result of the excellent clinical outcome achieved with its use. Scientific evidence regarding the mechanisms by which vacuum-assisted closure promotes wound healing has started to emerge, although knowledge regarding the effects on heart and lung function is still limited. The organs in the mediastinum are hemodynamically crucial, and in patients with poststernotomy mediastinitis, vulnerable bypass grafts and reduced cardiac function must be taken into consideration during vacuum-assisted closure therapy. This article provides an overview of the effects of vacuum-assisted closure on heart and lung function and summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms by which vacuum-assisted closure therapy promotes wound healing.

Objectives: Despite many animal and clinical studies to date, there is still debate on the effect of internal thoracic artery harvesting on postoperative sternal perfusion and thus healing. We performed a prospective clinical study to assess the postoperative sternal perfusion in patients who underwent surgical coronary revascularization by means of unilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting and to evaluate the effect of 2 harvesting methods, namely electrocautery and use of an ultrasonic scalpel., Methods: Between November 2004 and March 2005, 30 consecutive patients (25 male patients; age, 58.34 +/- 9.42 years; mean New York Heart Association class, 1.90 +/- 0.76) scheduled for conventional coronary surgery were enrolled in this study. After obtaining informed consent, they were randomized into 2 groups. The left internal thoracic artery was harvested as a pedicle graft in all patients by using the corresponding method. All patients underwent 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy preoperatively to evaluate baseline sternal perfusion. Control scintigraphy was performed on postoperative day 7., Results: Sternal perfusion showed a significant increase on postoperative scans compared with that at baseline (1067 +/- 191 counts/pixel vs 919 +/- 102 counts/pixel for the right half, P < .001; 1064 +/- 179 counts/pixel vs 905 +/- 107 counts/pixel for the left half, P < .001). There was no significant difference between the right and left sternal halves postoperatively. The method used for harvest had no significant effect on postoperative sternal perfusion (electrocautery = 1037 +/- 121 counts/pixel vs scalpel = 1097 +/- 109 counts/pixel for the right half, P > .05; electrocautery = 1040 +/- 126 counts/pixel vs scalpel = 1089 +/- 130 counts/pixel for the left half, P > .05)., Conclusions: Sternal perfusion increases soon after coronary bypass surgery, probably as a consequence of the healing process, but the source of perfusion for harvest side remains unclear. Harvesting of internal thoracic arteries with an ultrasonic scalpel has no advantageous effects on postoperative sternal perfusion.

The branching pattern and adequacy of the internal thoracic veins (ITV) are important factors, providing useful information on the availability of vessels and their appropriateness as an option for anastomoses in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During 100 cadaveric examinations of the anterior thoracic wall it was observed that ITVs were formed by the venae commitantes of ITAs, which united to form a single vein (one for the right side and one for the left) draining into the right and left brachiocephalic veins. The tributaries of ITVs corresponded to the branches of ITA. The right internal thoracic vein bifurcated at the 2(nd) rib in 36% of the specimens, at the 3(rd) rib in 30% of the specimens, at the 4(th) rib in 10% of the specimens and in 24% of the specimens it remained a single vein. The left internal thoracic vein bifurcated at the 3(rd) rib in 52% of specimens, at the 4(th) rib in 20% of specimens and in 28% of the specimens it remained as a single vein. In addition, it was observed that in 78% of specimens ITVs were connected to each other by a venous arch. This arch displayed four distinct morphologies: transverse (n = 7), oblique (n = 16), U-shaped (n = 51) and double-arched (n = 4). All 78 arches were posterior to the xiphisternal joint and no artery accompanied them. In the remaining specimens, RITV and LITV exhibited a venous plexus formation. The distance from the sternum to ITV gradually decreased as the vessel passed caudally; the diameter of the vessel similarly decreased along the vein's caudal course. The frequent appearance of two concomitant veins on both sides of the thorax may offer the opportunity to reduce venous congestion by two vein anastomoses. More detailed knowledge of the anatomy of ITV may prove useful in planning surgical procedures in the anterior thorax in order to avoid unexpected bleeding.

Bone wax is the substance which has been used for hemostasis in different surgical fields for up to one hundred years and historically used in our center to prevent sternal bleeding and subsequent complications. Recently, reabsorbable gelatin powder has come into use. Up to now there are no clinical studies that compare these two substances. Between 1st January and 31st December 2004, 1249 subsequent patients have been operated on for different cardiac surgical procedures in our center, of them 557 were enrolled in a randomized perspective monocentric study. They have been divided into two similar subgroups: one treated with swine gelatin plus rifamycin (group one) and the other with bone wax (group two). The two hemostatic products have been applied just after the sternotomy and before the chest closing. Each patient was evaluated for bleeding, sternal infections and was followed-up for two months for bone and wound healing. Postoperative bleeding at the tenth hour was 315 ml+/-269 (mean+/-S.D.) in the first group and 395 ml+/-265 in the second (P<0.001). In the 10th-20th hour interval time bleeding was 120 ml+/-74 and 205 ml+/-132, respectively (P<0.001). Total bleeding was 415 ml+/-87 in group one and 580 ml+/-150 in group two (P<0.001). Chest reopening for bleeding not due to surgical problems was carried out in 14 patients (4.7%) (group one) and 19 (7.3%) (group two) (n.s.). Superficial sternal wound infection occurred in two patients (0.7%) in group one and three patients (1.1%) in group two (n.s.). There were no deep sternal wound infections. Bleeding was significantly higher in patients treated with bone wax compared to those with absorbable gelatin plus rifamycin.

Objective: Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a recently introduced method for the treatment of poststernotomy mediastinitis. The aim was to examine the effects of VAC negative pressure on peristernal soft tissue blood flow after internal mammary artery harvesting., Methods: Microvascular blood flow was measured using laser Doppler velocimetry in a porcine sternotomy wound model. The effect of VAC negative pressure on blood flow to the wound edge was investigated on the right side, where the internal mammary artery was intact, and on the left side, where the internal mammary artery had been removed., Results: Before removal of the left internal mammary artery, the blood flow was similar in the right and left peristernal wound edges, 2.5 cm from the edge (27+/-4 perfusion units (PU) on the right side and 32+/-3 PU on the left side, in muscle tissue). When the left internal mammary artery was surgically removed, the blood flow on the left side decreased (19+/-3 PU, in muscle tissue), while the skin blood flow was not affected. VAC negative pressure induced an immediate increase in wound edge blood flow both on the right side (43+/-9 PU, in muscle tissue at -75 mmHg), where the internal mammary artery was intact, and on the left side, where the internal mammary artery had been removed (49+/-11 PU, in muscle tissue at -75 mmHg). The increase in blood flow was similar on both sides at -75 mmHg and at -125 mmHg., Conclusions: The peristernal wound edge microvascular blood flow is decreased when the left internal mammary artery is removed. VAC therapy stimulates blood flow in the peristernal thoracic wall after internal mammary artery harvesting.

Patients with prior laryngectomy and permanent tracheostomy undergoing complete sternotomy historically are at increased risk for wound infection, osteomyelitis, mediastinitis, bleeding, tracheal injury, and poor wound healing. We describe three patients who underwent cardiac surgery via low midline incision with transverse flap, providing the exposure of complete sternotomy and decreased infectious risk. Patient selection, technique, and management principles are discussed.

Background: The internal thoracic artery (ITA) is the conduit of choice in coronary bypass grafting, due to the excellent long-term results achieved using it. However, increased incidence of sternal infections after pedicled ITA harvesting has revived interest in the morphology of sternal blood supply. Our aim was to discuss the topography of the sternal branches with emphasis on internal thoracic artery harvesting., Methods: This study was conducted on 50 fresh specimens of the anterior thorax wall. Radio-opaque material was injected and angiograms of the ITA were performed. Subsequently, the specimens were preserved and a dry dissection of each ITA and its branches was carried out., Results: In dry dissected specimens, four types of vessels were identified that have the potential to carry blood to the sternum after harvesting the ITA. In the first group, the artery to the sternum also supplies the intercostal space. In the second morphologic variant, the sternal branch gives off the perforating and anterior intercostal arteries. In the third group, we classified the common branch of the sternal and perforating arteries. In the fourth group, the sternal artery originated from the ITA as an independent branch., Conclusions: For sternal-intercostal, perforating-intercostal, and sternal-perforating branches to function as collaterals after ITA harvesting, the common trunk of origin must remain intact. Based on morphologic data, we recommend ligating the common trunk as close as possible to the ITA; in this way, collateral blood flow to the sternum remains intact.

Background: Excellent long-term patency of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) graft promotes use of bilateral ITA bypass grafting; sternal devascularization, however, increases the risk of wound complications. We hypothesized that restricting right ITA (RITA) harvesting to a short proximal skeletonized segment (3 to 5 cm) would result in adequate residual blood supply to reduce that risk., Methods: Seventy-eight patients with numerous risk factors for wound complications underwent composite double ITA grafting, utilizing the RITA segment anastomosed to the left skeletonized ITA and to the obtuse marginal branch in Y fashion. Blood flow in the distal RITA was assessed by parasternal transthoracic Doppler ultrasonography. Comparisons were made with prospectively collected data of patients undergoing pedicled single (n = 160) or skeletonized bilateral ITA grafting (n = 143) during the same period., Results: Incidence of obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease was higher in study patients. Postoperative Doppler ultrasonography detected reversed systolic dominant flow pattern. Wound complications occurred in 2 of 78 (2.6%) patients, compared with 14 of 143 (9.8%) after bilateral ITA (p = 0.04) and 8 of 160 (5%) after single ITA grafting (p = ns). Technique of bilateral ITA harvesting (partial right versus full length; odds ratio, 0.2; confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.9) and diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 6.3) were independent predictors of wound complications in the entire series., Conclusions: Substantial residual blood supply is detectable after partial RITA harvesting and may prevent wound complications in high-risk patients.

Background: Early changes in sternal perfusion were studied after midline sternotomy and different methods of mammary artery (MA) harvesting., Methods: Our observations were made in the swine model after midline sternotomy. In group 1 (6 animals), after unilateral skeletonized MA harvesting, (99m)Tc particles were injected intravenously. In group 2 (7 animals), after unilateral mammary artery and vein harvesting (semiskeletonized technique), (99m)Tc particles were injected intravenously. In group 3 (5 animals), after skeletonized bilateral MA harvesting, 99mTc particles were injected into the intercostal musculature lateral to the sternal border. In groups 1 to 3, sternal samples were analyzed using gamma counting. In group 4 (6 animals), unilateral skeletonized MA harvesting was performed. In group 5 (5 animals), the MA was harvested unilaterally using the semiskeletonized technique. In groups 4 and 5, sternal blood flow was assessed using thermography. Data were collected in all groups for 5 hours postoperatively., Results: Both radioactive and thermographic flow measurements showed a statistically significant decrease in sternal blood flow on the side of harvested mammary vessels, regardless of harvesting technique. Radioactivity of the devascularized hemisterni on the side of intramuscular particle injection was substantially higher than in the contralateral half, confirming the role of diffusion in sternal nourishment. The distal sternal segments were least perfused by the MA., Conclusions: There is an acute reduction of sternal perfusion during the early postoperative period, even if collaterals are preserved by skeletonized MA harvesting. Diffusion plays an important role in sternal nourishment, particularly of the xiphoid, and even more so after MA harvesting.

My colleagues and I present a method for revascularizing the left anterolateral myocardial wall by using an in situ left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending coronary artery system and a short proximal segment (3 to 5 cm) of the right internal thoracic artery in Y fashion anastomosed to the in situ left internal thoracic artery to revascularize the obtuse marginal branches. With this technique the left ventricular anterolateral wall can be revascularized with both internal thoracic arteries, leaving a consistent residual blood supply to the right hemisternum.

Objective: The study was designed to assess the early changes in sternal perfusion after midline sternotomy and different (skeletonized versus semiskeletonized) techniques of internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting., Methods: The experiments were performed in the swine model. After midline sternotomy, ITA harvesting (skeletonized technique) was performed unilaterally in Group I (6 animals). The ITA and the internal thoracic vein (ITV) were harvested (semiskeletonized technique) in Group II (5 animals). The contralateral sternal half served as a control. Using a thermographic camera with a 0.06 degrees C sensitivity, sternal perfusion was assessed 2 and 5 hours after surgery., Results: Midline sternotomy alone did not affect sternal blood flow. A statistically significant ( p < 0.05) reduction in perfusion of the involved sternal half in comparison to the control side was detected at 2 and 5 hours after surgery. The degree of perfusion deficit was not related to the harvesting technique., Conclusions: Skeletonized and semiskeletonized ITA harvesting techniques caused a similar acute reduction in sternal perfusion during the early postoperative period and this effect lasted for at least 5 hours.

Background: In situ bilateral internal thoracic artery (ITA), with ante-aortic crossover right ITA (RITA) is gaining popularity. However, the retrosternal position of the crossover RITA has raised concerns with regard to its compromise during subsequent resternotomy., Methods: Ten patients underwent repeat median sternotomy after prior ante-aortic crossover RITA grafting. Specific RITA routing and fixation had been performed in the initial operation. Preoperative imaging, including computed tomography (CT) angiography, was performed to confirm RITA position in relation to the sternum and assess feasibility., Results: Resternotomy was performed 4-48 months after the initial operation (median, 22 months). Nine crossover RITA grafts were functioning at the time of resternotomy. CT angiography was performed in four patients in whom the premarked RITA could not be localized on the plain chest radiograph. The feasibility of conducting a nonmodified resternotomy was determined based on preoperative imaging. All RITA grafts resumed their original position and none was injured during reentry. There was no early mortality, perioperative stroke, or reexploration for bleeding. One patient sustained myocardial infarction, however, not in a RITA-related distribution. CT angiography was predictive in confirming a free retrosternal space., Conclusions: Resternotomy after prior ante-aortic crossover RITA grafting can be performed at acceptable risk. Confirmation of a free retrosternal space by preoperative imaging may contribute to the safety of the procedure. Maneuvers performed during the first operation are useful in preventing RITA adherence to the sternum.

This prospective comparative study was carried out to investigate the blood supply to the anterior chest wall by measurement of several anatomical and haemodynamic flow parameters of the internal mammary artery, with the use of colour Doppler ultrasonography, in female scoliotics with idiopathic right convex scoliosis in adolescence. Previous investigations have postulated that asymmetry of the breasts in female adolescents may be linked with the development of right convex thoracic scoliosis. This breast asymmetry is supposed to be linked with anatomical and functional asymmetry of the internal mammary artery that is the main supplier to the mammary gland. However, no measurements of anatomical and haemodynamic parameters of the internal mammary artery have been made to justify or reject the hypothesis of asymmetric blood flow volume to the breasts and costosternal junction in female adolescent scoliotics. Twenty female adolescents with right convex thoracic scoliosis and 16 comparable female individuals without spine deformity were examined with roentgenograms (scoliotics only) to measure scoliosis curve, vertebral rotation and concave and convex rib-vertebra angle at three vertebrae (the apical, one level above and one below the apical vertebra). Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure, at the origin of the internal mammary artery, its lumen diameter, cross-sectional area, time average mean flow and flow volume per minute in scoliotics and controls, which were compared with each other. The roentgenographic parameters were compared with the ultrasonographic parameters in the scoliotics to disclose any relationship. The reliability of colour Doppler ultrasonography was high and the intra-observer variability low (ANOVA, P=0.92-0.94). There was no statistically significant difference in the ultrasonographic parameters of the internal mammary artery between right and left side in each individual as well as between scoliotics and controls. In scoliotics the right mammary artery time average mean velocity increases with the convex ( P<0.05) and concave ( P<0.01) rib-vertebra angle one level above the apical vertebrae and with the apical convex rib-vertebra angle ( P<0.05). The right internal mammary artery flow volume per minute increases with convex ( P<0.01) and concave ( P<0.01) rib-vertebra angle one level above the apical vertebrae and with the apical convex rib-vertebra angle ( P<0.05). Left internal mammary artery cross-sectional area increases with convex apical rib-vertebra angle ( P<0.01) and concave rib-vertebra angle one level above the apical vertebra ( P<0.01). Conclusively, this investigation showed that haemodynamic flow parameters of the right internal mammary artery and anatomical parameters of the left internal mammary artery are significantly correlated with the magnitude of rib-vertebra angles close to the apex of right thoracic scoliosis in female adolescents. This study did not find any evidence for side-difference in vascularity of the anterior thorax wall and, thus, it could not clearly justify previous theories for development of right thoracic scoliosis in female adolescents.

Background: Internal thoracic arterial grafts (ITA) in coronary artery bypass surgery provide excellent long-term patency results. Due to the elevated incidence of sternal infections following pedicled ITA harvesting, blood supply to the sternum has gained the focus of attention. This study sought to evaluate real time parameters of sternal microcirculation prior and immediately after harvesting of the ITA by a novel laser Doppler flowmetry and remission spectroscopy system (Oxygen-To-See (O2C), LEA Medizintechnik, Giessen)., Methods: 21 patients (16 males, age 63 + 4 years, mean NYHA 2.3 +/- 0.3) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were enrolled into the study. After median sternotomy, the probe was placed sequentially pre- and retrosternally for measurements of tissue oxygen saturation (sO2), hemoglobin concentration (rHb), superficial (2 mm) und deep (8 mm) blood flow. Measurements were performed and analyzed before and after surgical harvesting of the ITA with a pedicle., Results: Baseline pre- and retrosternal tissue oxygen saturation (sO2) were 90 +/- 3 % and 87 + 4 %, respectively (n. s.). After left ITA harvesting, presternal sO2 remained unchanged (90 + 4 %, n. s.), whereas retrosternal sO2 decreased significantly (54 + 4 %, p < 0.001). Simultaneously, retrosternal post-capillary venous filling (rHb) increased significantly after ITA harvesting (86 +/- 2 vs. 93 + 2, p < 0.05), whereas presternal rHb remained unchanged. Retrosternal superficial and deep blood flow also decreased significantly (75 +/- 5 vs. 41 +/- 4, and 94 +/- 5 vs. 52 +/- 6) in contrast to comparable presternal blood flow before and after ITA harvesting. There were neither superficial nor deep sternal wound infections occurred in the studied patient population., Conclusions: The pedicled harvesting of ITA leads to a significant decrease of microcirculatory blood flow, retrosternal tissue oxygen saturation, and an increase in post-capillary venous filling. Parameters of microcirculation in the presternal area after ITA harvesting remained unchanged compared to baseline values. Hence, the incidence of sternal infections after ITA harvesting in coronary surgery may well be explained by a significant decrease of sternal blood supply in the retrosternal area. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of skeletonized ITA preparation in sternal microcirculation.