Changes in Sternal Blood Flow after Different Methods of Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting

Abstract

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 °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.

Key words

Sternal blood flow - thermography - internal thoracic artery harvesting

References

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