Revascularization of turnover sternum: A definitive treatment for intractable funnel chest

Abstract

Twelve intractable funnel chests in young adults were treated with revascularization of the turnover sternum. The sternum and costal composite tissue were resected at the outskirt of the depressed area. Special attention was paid to the dissection of the vascular pedicle at both sides of the internal mammary vessels. The recipient vessels at one side were left long, so were the donor vessels at the other side. A segment of the rib at the exit of the recipient internal mammary vessels had to be removed to accommodate the vessels and to facilitate vascular anastomosis. Vascular anastomosis was accomplished with loupes (Keeler, sixfold magnification) in five patients because the direction of the vessels is vertically oriented. In four cases, artery and vein grafts were taken from the other side of the internal mammary vessels not bound for vascular anastomosis for length discrepancy of the vessels, while the remaining cases had direct vascular anastomosis without vascular grafting. Revascularization of the turnover sternum was performed successfully without vascular compromise. The patients all recovered well with much improved physical condition. Only one patient sustained spontaneous pneumothorax 1 month after the operation. Postoperative three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed increment of thoracic cage volume for 9-17%. Follow-up CT scan 2 years later revealed even more improved thoracic cage expansion.