As originally described by Dr.<unk> , the procedure started with cutting a 2 inch wide, U-shaped flap of skin on the side of the chest wall underneath the axilla and scapula. The section of rib under the top of the flap was also removed. The finger-like skin flap was then inserted into the cavity made in the chest wall and sewn into the inner pleural lining of the chest. The edges of the incision are then brought together. The flap allows for 1) passive drainage of the pleural space and 2) negative pressure to develop in the thoracic cavity due to it being easier for air to escape than to enter the chest. The lung can then expand to the chest wall and seal the inner opening of the flap. Other surgeons have subsequently proposed modifications to the procedure.
Eloesser flap
Gundersen flap
Joel-Cohen incision
Rotation flap
Phemister graft
Perforator flaps
Maylard incision
DIEP flap