Perioperative infection prevention strategies for double-lung transplantation in elderly patients with COVID-19

Abstract

To summarize the experience of perioperative prevention during double-lung transplantation for elderly patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Clinical data of 2 elderly patients with COVID-19 who underwent double-lung transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative protective measures were introduced in terms of medical staffing, respiratory tract, pressure injuries, air in operating room, instruments and equipment, pathological specimens, and information management. Two cases of double-lung transplantation were successfully completed, and the patients had no operation-related complications. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenator was successfully removed 2 to 4 days after surgery and the patients recovered well. There was no infection among medical staff. Adequate preoperative preparation, complete patient transfer procedures, proper placement of instruments and equipment, strengthening of intraoperative care management, and attention to prevention of pressure injury complications can maximize the safety of COVID-19 patients and medical staff.