The sternotomy (see coronary artery bypass grafts) was made with the reciprocating saw and careful hemostasis was achieved at the cut bone edges with cautery and bone wax.
The pericardium was opened and retracted with sutures (aorta to left, right atrial appendage at bottom). After visualizing the heart and inspecting it for wall motion abnormalities and coronary artery disease, a decision was made as to its suitability. If it is deemed acceptable the team is notified and depending on the anticipated travel time, the recipient is taken to the operating room, placed on cardiopulmonary bypass and has his or her heart explanted while the remainder of the harvest continues.
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