Heart Recovery From a Brain-Dead Donor With a History of Ravitch Procedure for Repair of Pectus Excavatum

Authors

Matan Grunfeld, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Suguru Ohira, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Joshua Choe, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Gregg M. Lanier, Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Kathryn Martin, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York, USA.
David Spielvogel, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Masashi Kai, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA.

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Journal Title

Journal of Cardiac Surgery

First Page

5531

Last Page

5533

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2022

Department

Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We describe the successful heart transplantation of a brain-dead male donor with a remote history of pectus excavatum repair. METHOD AND RESULTS: On computed tomography, the ascending aorta was in close proximity to metallic struts from the donor's sternal repair. Before harvesting the heart, visual and digital inspections revealed minimal space between the sternum and ascending aorta, complicated by severe adhesions in the lower sternum. After the pericardium was opened, the subsequent recovery of the heart was performed in a standard fashion. At one-year post-transplant, the recipient continues to have normal graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Careful evaluation, intraoperative consideration, and coordination with other transplant teams were essential in the successful recovery of the heart during a time of organ shortages.

Recommended Citation

Grunfeld, M., Ohira, S., Choe, J., Lanier, G. M., Martin, K., Spielvogel, D., & Kai, M. (2022). Heart Recovery From a Brain-Dead Donor With a History of Ravitch Procedure for Repair of Pectus Excavatum. Journal of Cardiac Surgery, 37 (12), 5531-5533. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocs.17065