Lung Transplant Complications Complications can happen during any part of the transplant process, even years after transplant. Below is a list of some of the possible complications of lung transplant, which may result in death or disability. 1. Surgical Complications – include, but are not limited to: •B leeding during or after surgery • Infection during or after surgery • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) • Hypotension (low blood pressure) • Kidney failure which may require the use of dialysis •U se of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) – a machine that helps to oxygenate the blood while the lungs are not functioning properly •P ericardial tamponade – a collection of fluid or blood around the heart, preventing it from beating properly •R espiratory insufficiency – inability to breath without the assistance of a ventilator machine, which could lead to a tracheostomy. This can happen for various reasons, including: •P rimary graft dysfunction – a complication that can happen in the first 72 hours after transplant in which the donor lung(s) don’t function properly •H yperacute rejection - when the recipient’s body rejects the donor lung(s) immediately, usually due to unrecognized antibodies. This is an extremely rare complication. • Infection
Complications can happen during any part of the transplant process, even years after transplant. It is very important that you always report any new symptoms. immediately.
30 Lung Transplant Complications
