Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Donor Posterior Atrial Flap Rotation for Left Atrial Cuff Reconstruction in Lung Transplantation
Published on: October 11, 2024
Novel Repair of Clamshell Thoracotomy Sternal Dehiscence after Lung Transplant: A Case Report
John O Barron1, Nethra Jain1, Mujtaba Mubashir1
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Abstract:
Bilateral transverse thoracosternotomy, or "clamshell" thoracotomy, can be complicated by dehiscence. A 65-year-old male underwent lung transplantation via clamshell thoracotomy, with subsequent sternal dehiscence on postoperative day 11. Upon repair, the previous sternal wires had pulled through, so a Sternal Talon connected to a Recon Talon was utilized to re-approximate the inferior sternum. On follow-up at 3 months, the patient recovered well. Use of the Sternal Talon provides an effective technique for repairing transverse sternal dehiscence.

