[Morpho-functional study of electrostimulated latissimus dorsi muscle flap for diaphragm substitution]

Based on practical applications of the muscle latissimus dorsi (MLD) as much in reconstruction thoracic-abdominal defects as functionally in cardiomyoplasty, and in our experience in the electrostimulation with diaphragm pacing, we elaborated the primary objective of this work consisting of the creation of functional muscle plasty of MLD for substitution of the diaphragm. In two groups of cats formed by 6 animals each one, with section of the corresponding phrenic nerve, MLD plasty has been done to replace hemidiaphragm, conserving the thoracodorsal pedicle, by thoracic route in a group (intrathoracic plasty), and in the other by abdominal route (intraabdominal plasty). In a second intervention the stimulador electrode is implanted on thoracodorsal pedicle and the rest of components of the diaphragmatic pacing in a subcutaneous pocket. During a month progressive electroestimulation of MLD plasty is made, carrying out radiological and spirometric evaluation, that compares with evaluation control made before making plasty. After the sacrifice of the animals planimetric and histologic evaluation of the extirpated diaphragm were performed. Morphologic and functional results obtained allow us to affirm that functional plasty of MLD is an effective diaphragmatic substitute, although with a smaller degree of function than the original diaphragm, and functionally intraabdominal plasty has been superior to intratorácica plasty.