Covid-19 patient was breathing ECMO at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago city, USA. Photo: NYT
Dr. Bharat said the patient was completely healthy before getting nCoV. However, she used to take immunosuppressants. It is not clear whether this drug is the reason that the virus is easier to enter and damage the body.
The patient was hospitalized on April 26, the first symptoms appeared about two weeks earlier. Her doctor immediately ordered her to use a ventilator, however her condition continued to worsen and ECMO was required. For weeks, the patient's health did not improve. The lungs are unable to repair at all, damage begins to put pressure on the heart and liver.
After finding a compatible lung, the doctor decided to transplant surgery for the patient. Currently, the patient is recovering well.
"She is awake, can smile and video call with her family," Mr Bharat said.
However, the patient has a long way to go to fully recover. Although the transplant lung was healthy, Covid-19 prolonged, causing the chest muscles to weaken, she still had to breathe.
One lung was severely damaged by the patient. Photo: NYT
Dr. Bharat said this is the weakest patient he has ever performed an organ transplant. The lung damage was also the most serious ever, for him.
The hospital said surgery was the only way that could save her life. However, Dr. Bharat emphasized: "This method is not for everyone with Covid-19. It is only suitable for young patients, the functions in the body are still working well, the time of coma. minimal, permanent lung damage and mechanical ventilation required. "
The doctor also noted that medical staff should closely monitor any ventilator who has recovered from Covid-19, to see if they fully recover. If the disease leaves a scarring of the lung, they will need surgery.
The previous four Covid-19 lung transplants were performed in China, at the Zhejiang Medical University, the People's Hospital, the Federation Hospital and the Wuxi City People's Hospital.
In Vietnam, the most severe patient of Covid-19, "patient 91", also had a dense lung condition, coma, ECMO intervention and mechanical ventilation. The patient has an indication for a lung transplant, but fortunately the 43-year-old man has recovered with 60% of ventilated lung area. Lung transplantation is now only a preventive measure for this patient.
Shu Linh (According to NY Times)
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