Umbilical cord clamps for bronchus closure in donor lung retrieval.

Background: Lung transplantation for end-stage pulmonary disease is an established procedure and the number of transplantations is increasing worldwide even in developing countries. Usually donor lungs are transported in an inflated state and the bronchi are closed with a stapler device.

Case Report: We present a technique that avoids costly stapler devices and is even less time consuming than reloading the staplers. After both lungs are inflated the separation of the two main bronchi is facilitated by using sterile umbilical cord clamps for the bronchus closure. We did not experience any air leaks and since the bronchi are resected prior to implantation there is always enough space to place the clamps.

Conclusions: The umbilical cord clamp technique reduces the explantation costs for lung retrievals significantly. The technique is less time consuming and offers equal safety compared to stapler devices.