Lung transplantation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract

Objective To discuss the benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) applied in the patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension during the operation of bilateral sequential single lung transplantation. Methods Fifteen patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension received lung transplantation supported with ECMO between Nov. 2009 and Sep. 2014. ECMO was removed after the transplantation if the oxygenation and hemodynamic were stable, otherwise, ECMO was applied continuously until the situation improved. Results All the operations of 15 patients were accomplished successfully and the ECMO was removed in 3 patients after the operation immediately, while in the other 12 patients, ECMO was applied continuously until the situation improved in ICU. ECMO was applied again in 3 patients when it was necessary. Deep venous thrombosis occurred in one patient. Three patients died after operation and the other 12 patients are alive till now. Conclusion ECMO can be applied safely and effectively in lung transplantations for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. Key words: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension; Lung transplantation