The use of sartorius muscle rotation-transfer in the management of wound complications after infrainguinal vein bypass: a report of eight cases and description of the technique.

Although rare, major wound breakdown after infrainguinal bypass resulting in vein graft exposure carries the risk of vein graft disruption with threat to both life and limb. The use of sartorius muscle rotation-transfer specifically in the management of exposed autogenous infrainguinal vein grafts has not been previously described. Eight patients were evaluated for major wound disruption resulting in graft exposure after infrainguinal vein bypass. Soft tissue coverage was provided in all eight cases by means of a distally based sartorius muscle rotation flap. There was no instance of postoperative death, graft thrombosis, secondary hemorrhage, or persistent infection. Late follow-up has shown continued satisfactory results. We conclude that effective soft tissue coverage and salvage of exposed infrainguinal vein bypass grafts can be accomplished in selected cases by means of sartorius muscle rotation-transfer.