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

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 post-operative recovery. This report illustrates the feasibility of this technique during lung transplantation.