Heart-Lung Transplant via an Eighth-Time Sternotomy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• A patient with a transitional atrioventricular septal defect underwent multiple cardiac surgeries.
• Prior mitral valve repair and replacement led to pulmonary vein stenosis and pulmonary vascular disease.

Observation:

• The patient required an eighth sternotomy for a combined heart-lung transplantation.
• Significant vascular adhesions complicated the prolonged surgical procedure.

Findings:

• Despite surgical challenges, the patient achieved successful heart-lung transplantation.
• The patient was discharged within two weeks and remains well over nine months post-transplant.

Implications:

• Heart-lung transplantation may be a viable option for patients with end-stage pulmonary vascular disease after multiple cardiac surgeries.
• This case underscores the evolving role of heart-lung transplantation in managing complex congenital heart disease survivors.