ANATOMICAL BASES FOR BRONCHIAL ARTERIAL REVASCULARIZATION IN DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANTATION

A study of the bronchial arterial blood supply was conducted to facilitate in surgical attempts of bronchial revascularization in double lung transplantation. This study consisted of 20 cadaveric anatomical dissections of the bronchial arterial blood supply as well as a retrospective review of 50 bronchial arteriograms. The right bronchial tree was supplied by an artery originating from the right intercostal bronchial arterial trunk in 76 to 95% of the cases. This artery also supplied the distal trachea and the carina in over 80% of cases as well as the proximal left bronchial tree via a network of small collaterals found in the subcarinal compartment and adventitial tissues located on the anterior surface of the descending aorta. A common arterial trunk for both the right and left bronchial trees was found in 12 of the 20 dissections (60%). Left bronchial arteries were much smaller and less consistent. Proximity of the bronchial arteries orifices was frequently observed : in 10 of the 20 dissections it allowed simultaneous reperfusion of more than one vessel. To maintain the vascular anastomotic network in between the right and left trees, extensive vascular dissection and carinal resections are prohibited. This will allow revascularization of the whole tracheal bronchial tree via the supply of the origin of the RICBA.