Sternal Elevation by Crane Technique During Double Lung Transplant for Patient With Pectus Excavatum

Abstract

We present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who underwent a bilateral lung transplantation for underlying terminal bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The peroperative access to the hilum of the right lung was significantly compromised due to the presence of a pectus excavatum (Haller index 11). We used a wired sternal crane technique to elevate the sternum and gain exposure. Release of the crane after implantation went smoothly, as did the postoperative recovery. This report illustrates the feasibility of this technique during lung transplantation.