Lung Transplantation

Abstract

Anesthesia for lung transplant surgery involves careful preoperative assessment, close intraoperative monitoring, prompt evaluation and treatment of hemodynamic and respiratory instability, and clear communication with the surgical team. This chapter discusses key elements of lung transplant surgery and offers clinical guidance for the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist. It details preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management considerations and offers a focused overview of mechanical support strategies. Specifically, pulmonary artery catheter placement is explained, relevant transesophageal echocardiography anatomy is reviewed, and ventilator and fluid management strategies are discussed. The chapter begins with the preoperative assessment and then moves to intraoperative management. The chapter ends with a discussion of mechanical support and posttransplant management.