Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap With Supercharging for Reconstruction of Extensive Thoracic Defect Due to Deep Sternal Wound Infection: A Case Report

Deep sternal wound infection is a serious postoperative complication of cardiac surgery and often requires flap reconstruction. Herein, we report a case of deep sternal wound infection with an extensive thoracic defect that was successfully treated using a modified technique. This technique, defined as “supercharging,” anastomoses the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein of pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap to the transverse cervical artery and external jugular vein, respectively. The transverse cervical artery is an easily accessible and reliable recipient vessel. Therefore, we recommend that our technique be used, especially in cases of deep sternal wound infection with extensive thoracic defects.