The Journal of surgical research
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Stenosis is the most frequent airway complication after lung transplantation. When complete obstruction is diagnosed without possibility of recanalization, options are generally limited to either resection or retransplantation, both associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We describe our experience with a novel technique using electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) to recanalize the occluded airway after lung transplantation. ⋯ ENB is a feasible method of airway recanalization in select patients with bronchial occlusion after lung transplantation. ENB recanalization spares lung parenchyma and avoids risks associated with surgical resection and retransplantation. This novel technique can be added to the armamentarium for thoracic surgeons who diagnose and treat this complicated problem.