Single lung transplantation assisted by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technique duringperioperative period: a report of 6 cases

Objective To summarize the application experiences and curative efficacies of single lung transplantation assisted by extracorporeal circulation with coated lung, centrifugal pump and coated pipe. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted for clinical data of 6 adult patients with respiratory insufficiency undergoing single lung transplantation. The changes of hemodynamics and oxygenation before and after adjuvant treatment were observed, the effects of adjuvant evaluated and the experiences of application summarized. Results The hemodynamic parameters post-assistance significantly improved as compared with that pre-assistance and pulmonary arterial pressure dropped from (56±15) to (45±13) mmHg with statistically significant differences. Arterial blood gas parameters significantly improved. PO2 spiked from (47±12) to (68±9) mmHg and PCO2 declined from (65±14) to (55±12)mmHg. And there were statistically significant differences. All patients were discharged successfully. Conclusions The simple extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system of coated lung, centrifugal pump and coated pipe during routine extracorporeal circulation may guarantee the operative safety of single lung transplantation and provide a new therapeutic option. Key words: Single lung transplantation; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Hemodynamics; Blood gas analysis