Robot-Assisted Stenting of a High-Grade Anastomotic Pulmonary Artery Stenosis Following Single Lung Transplantation

Abstract

To report robot-assisted stenting of a stenosis at the pulmonary artery anastomosis following lung transplantation, a rare complication that conveys poor prognosis even after surgical correction. The technique is illustrated in a 72-year-old man with end-stage lung disease who received a left single lung transplant. On postoperative day 54, he was evaluated for recurrent dyspnea on exertion that was due to a severe stenosis at the site of the pulmonary artery anastomosis. Balloon angioplasty was performed, and a 10-mm stent was deployed, with marked clinical improvement. Fourteen months later, he presented with recurrent symptoms due to in-stent restenosis. Multiple attempts at catheterization and balloon angioplasty of the stent failed. Due to the technical difficulty involved in maneuvering the balloon while maintaining stability, it was decided to repeat the angioplasty with the assistance of a Hansen Sensei remote robotic navigation system. The robotic arm markedly enhanced stability and facilitated successful navigation of the stented site. A 16-mm-diameter Wallstent was placed through the previously placed balloon-expandable stent and postdilated. A remote robotic catheter navigation system was able to assist stenting of an anastomotic pulmonary artery stenosis following failure of conventional interventional techniques.