SUCCESSFUL LUNG TRANSPLANTATION IN A LONG-TERM VENTILATOR-DEPENDENT PATIENT

Ventilator dependence has been postulated to be a major contraindicati on for successful lung transplantation. We describe the case of a 44-y ear-old female patient mechanically ventilated for 10 months after adu lt respiratory distress syndrome. After a program of physical training the patient underwent successful bilateral sequential lung transplant ation. Six months postoperatively she is in good physical condition an d is able to carry out the activities of normal daily living. We concl ude that in selected patients long-term mechanical ventilatory support is not a contraindication for lung transplantation.