Transplantation

As soon as all the preparations have been made and transplantation has been approved, anaesthesia is induced. The right and left lungs are ventilated alternately or simultaneously through a tube in the windpipe.

The chest is opened at the side for a single lung transplant and by a transverse incision for a double lung transplant. A single lung transplant is possible without use of a heart-lung machine (HLM) only if the second lung is capable of supplying the body with sufficient oxygen during the exchange. If this is not possible, the operation must be performed using a heart-lung machine.

As soon as the donor lung is in the operating theatre, the diseased lung is removed from the chest and the new lung is sutured in place. After the blood flow is released, the new lung starts to work. The chest is closed and the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit. As soon as the patient wakes up and the lung can fulfil its function, the ventilation tube is removed.

Most patients feel the relief on breathing immediately and are delighted to see that the bluish colour of their nails and lips has already taken on a pink hue.