Use of an apical heart suction device for exposure in lung transplantation.
Cardiopulmonary bypass is not necessary for the performance of bilateral sequential lung transplantation in most circumstances. Inadequate exposure to the left hilum is occasionally the sole indication for institution of cardiopulmonary bypass. We report the use of a suction heart positioning device to allow lifting of the heart for improvement of left hilar exposure. This technique has decreased the need for cardiopulmonary bypass when bypass is indicated due to difficult operative exposure.
Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. lauch@msnotes.wustl.edu
Christine L
CL
Lau
David M
DM
Hoganson
Bryan F
BF
Meyers
Ralph J
RJ
Damiano
G Alexander
GA
Patterson
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*