Median Sternotomy for Lung Transplantation: Techniques and Advantages

Abstract

Lung transplantation is traditionally performed with a clamshell thoracotomy or bilateral anterior thoracotomy incisions. We have performed 121 lung transplants with a median sternotomy incision from 2013-2017. We present our technique for lung transplantation utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass with a median sternotomy, and discuss the potential advantages of this technique.