Innervated rectus abdominis myofascial flap for dynamic cardiomyoplasty

This study examined the rectus abdominis myofascial flap as an innervated flap for dynamic cardiomyoplastic purposes. It is common to use the latissimus dorsi to wrap or patch around or in the heart, but there is a need for more innervated skeletal muscle for a variety of reasons. The rectus abdominis musculature often is used for reconstructions and its vascular reliability is well known. The segmental build-up of the rectus abdominis myofascial flap, its direct proximity to the heart, and the superb quality of the anterior fascia allow for more extensive cardiomyoplastic use than with the latissimus dorsi alone. This article describes an anthropometric cadaver study in which the methods of mobilizing the rectus abdominis myofascial flap for cardiac purposes are shown.