Routine immediate direct bronchial artery revascularization for single-lung transplantation

Richard C. Daly, Christopher G.A. McGregor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ischemia of the donor airway remains a significant cause of morbidity after single-lung transplantation; serious manifestations may occur early (anastomotic dehiscence) or late (stricture). Direct, immediate revascutarization of the donor bronchial arteries, using the recipient internal thoracic artery, was performed in 10 consecutive recipients of single-lung transplants for whom we procured the organs. Mean recipient age was 52.6 years (range, 43 to 59 years); 6 were male and 4 female. Recipient diagnoses were emphysema (6), obliterative bronchiolitis (2), pulmonary fibrosis (1), and primary pulmonary hypertension (1). Bronchial artery revascularization initially prolonged the ischemic time by only 15 to 20 minutes; this improved with experience. There was one early death and two late deaths in the series. Internal thoracic arteriography was performed 7 to 10 days postoperatively in all 9 surviving patients. There was excellent perfusion of the donor bronchial arteries in 7 of these 9 patients. Bronchoscopy was performed when clinically indicated. No patient had early or late airway healing complications at a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 6 to 16 months). We conclude that direct, immediate bronchial artery revascularization is feasible on a routine basis for single-lung transplantation, and airway healing has been excellent.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1446-1452
Number of pages7
JournalThe Annals of thoracic surgery
Volume57
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1994
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Routine immediate direct bronchial artery revascularization for single-lung transplantation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this