The Use of Veritas Collagen Matrix to Reconstruct the Posterior Chest Wall After Costovertebrectomy

Among the new materials introduced for chest wall reconstruction, the use of collagen matrix is gaining increasing favor for its biomechanical properties. We describe the reconstruction of the chest wall with Veritas (Synovis, St Paul, MN) collagen matrix of a posterior chest wall defect after costovertebrectomy for Ewing's sarcoma. En bloc resection was performed, including partial D7 through D9 vertebrectomy along with the posterolateral segments of corresponding ribs. The collagen matrix patch was sutured to the spine stabilizer and the surrounding rib segments and was covered by previously raised latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscle flaps. Excellent stabilization was obtained. (Ann Thorac Surg 2011;92:e17-8) (C) 2011 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons