[The association of VAC® therapy, titanium plates osteosynthesis and bilateral pectoral muscle flaps in the management of postoperative mediastinitis in an obese and diabetic patient].

Postoperative mediastinitis is one of the most worrisome complications after heart surgery. Until now there is no universally accepted strategy in the management of this infectious complication. Recently, various novel techniques like negative pressure therapy and titanium plates sternal reconstruction have allowed a dramatic decrease of mortality and morbidity after mediastinitis. We report the case of a diabetic patient suffering from morbid obesity who developed a severe postoperative mediastinitis after a coronary artery bypass; she was successfully treated by combining negative pressure therapy, titanium plates osteosynthesis and bilateral pectoral muscle flaps.