Refinements in intrathoracic use of muscle flaps.

Intrathoracic infections associated with infection, leakage, or bleeding of the airway, lung parenchyma, esophagus, heart or great vessels is a life-threatening situation that luckily is infrequently seen. Failure to control these infections with the usual techniques can often be attributed to the presence of persistent pleural space, continuing empyema or bronchopleural fistula. Intrathoracic transposition of extrathoracic skeletal muscle in these situations offers an effective of management. Our experience has been possible because of the continued integrated effort with our thoracic surgical colleagues. We have found the team approach to work best and will continue to use it.