Fig. 3

Sequential dissection steps for hilar structure isolation during lung separation. (A) Exposure of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) at its origin from the main pulmonary artery (MPA); (B) Transection of the LPA just distal to its bifurcation to preserve adequate cuff length; (C) Identification and exposure of the left main bronchus (LMB); (D) Transection of the LMB below the carina, ensuring sufficient length for anastomosis; (E) Posterior approach using the Petri dish edge as a retractor for optimal visualization of the pulmonary venous junction; (F) Transection of the left pulmonary vein (LPV) from the left atrium, preserving maximal length for cuff preparation. LPA – Left pulmonary artery; LPV – Left pulmonary vein; LMB – Left main bronchus; RMB – Right main bronchus; MPA – Main pulmonary artery.