Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam

The main pulmonary artery is the vessel selected for cannulation during lung recovery because it is the primary conduit that carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. Cannulating the main pulmonary artery allows access to the pulmonary circulation, which is necessary for procedures such as ex vivo lung perfusion or during transplantation.

Choosing this vessel is crucial as it enables healthcare providers to efficiently manage the lung recovery process, ensuring that the organ is adequately preserved and prepared for transplantation. The other vessels mentioned, while important in the anatomy of the lungs, serve different functions. For instance, the right and left pulmonary veins return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart, making them less relevant for direct access during the recovery phase. Similarly, the supra-aortic trunk comprises arteries that supply the head and neck regions, which are not involved in lung recovery. Thus, the main pulmonary artery stands out as the most appropriate site for cannulation in this context.