Anterior axillary muscle-sparing thoracotomy for lung transplantation.
We have been using an anterior axillary muscle-sparing thoracotomy to perform single-lung transplantation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The incision allows excellent exposure and may lead to improved chest wall and shoulder girdle mechanics, which may allow for a faster recovery. This incision has become our preferred approach in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring single-lung transplantation who have not had a previous ipsilateral thoracic operation.
Pochettino
A
A
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Bavaria
J E
JE
D001365:Axilla; D006801:Humans; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*