The optimal technique of minimally invasive coronary artery revascularization using the in situ internal thoracic artery (ITA), without extracorporeal circulation, is yet to be defined. To obtain adequate exposure for both ITA harvest and left anterior descending coronary artery anastomosis, an anterior chest wall defect is created which can be difficult to reconstruct. Based on the vascular anatomy of the acromiothoracic axis and three described osteocutaneous composite tissue flaps, we present a novel dissection that not only improves exposure, but also preserves chest wall integrity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.