The inframammary incision for median sternotomy in pediatrics.

Median sternotomy offers the ideal exposure for most cardiac and mediastinal procedures. One infrequently mentioned morbidity of the traditional median sternotomy is the unsightly scar, especially in pediatric and adolescent patients who are extremely sensitive about their body appearance. We report our experience using a bilateral inframammary "butterfly" incision on 31 patients in association with a median sternotomy to provide excellent exposure and an improved cosmetic result.