The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 56, 562-564, Copyright © 1993 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Successful lung transplantation in a long-term ventilator-dependent patient
A End, M Grimm, P Mares, D Oturanlar, S Hartl, W Heindl, E Wolner and W Klepetko
Second Department of Surgery, University of Vienna, Austria.
Ventilator dependence has been postulated to be a major contraindication
for successful lung transplantation. We describe the case of a 44-year-old
female patient mechanically ventilated for 10 months after adult
respiratory distress syndrome. After a program of physical training the
patient underwent successful bilateral sequential lung transplantation. Six
months postoperatively she is in good physical condition and is able to
carry out the activities of normal daily living. We conclude that in
selected patients long-term mechanical ventilatory support is not a
contraindication for lung transplantation.