Successful lung transplantation in a long-term ventilator-dependent patient.
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.
Second Department of Surgery, University of Vienna, Austria.
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A
End
M
M
Grimm
P
P
Mares
D
D
Oturanlar
S
S
Hartl
W
W
Heindl
E
E
Wolner
W
W
Klepetko
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D015300:Ventilator Weaning; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical