EARLY EXPERIENCE OF DOUBLE-LUNG TRANSPLANTATION WITH BRONCHIAL ARTERYREVASCULARIZATION USING MAMMARY ARTERY

En-bloc double-lung transplantation with tracheal and bronchial revasc ularization using the left internal mammary artery has been performed in 14 Danish patients. Primary healing of the tracheal anastomosis was observed in 12 patients, in 10 of whom a successful revascularization has been verified by angiography. Two patients have been operated rec ently and not yet examined by angiography. Mucosal necrosis and subseq uent development of bronchial stenosis had to be treated by left-sided pneumonectomy in two patients with failed revascularization. All pati ents were early survivors (1-14 months). We conclude that bronchial re vascularization with the internal mammary artery is possible with an a cceptable success rate and is associated with primary healing of the t racheal anastomosis. The impact on long-term results remains to be see n.