A simple technique for reconstructing a short recipient left atrial cuff during lung transplantation is described. After opening the confluence of the pulmonary veins, the cut ends of the pulmonary veins are sutured together, posteriorly and anteriorly. This effectively lengthens the cuff allowing safe left atrial anastomosis. This technique has been applied in 3 patients with no technique-related complications.
Keywords: Left atrium; Lung transplantation; Pulmonary veins; Reconstruction.
© The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.