Considerations in the skeletonization technique of internal thoracic artery dissection

Skeletonization of the internal thoracic artery during myocardial revascularization procedures may provide some degree of protection from sternal wound infection in diabetic, obese, or pulmonary compromised patients when both internal thoracic arteries are used as conduits. Prior descriptions of the technique fail to provide specific details and possible pitfalls of the dissection. A method of skeletonization that has been used at the California Center for Cardiothoracic Surgery in more than 1,000 patients is presented in detail. Potential advantages and disadvantages are discussed.