Outcomes after lung transplantation performed using elective cardiopulmonary bypass: A single-center experience

Background: There remains significant variability in the use of intraoperative mechanical circulatory support in lung transplantation. This report details our outcomes using elective cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in lung transplantation. Methods: We performed a single institution analysis of consecutively enrolled patients who underwent isolated lung transplantation between August 2020 and April 2023. Primary outcomes included rates of grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and 1-year survival. Results: Forty consecutive lung transplants were performed on CBP over the study period. The average PaO2/FiO2 at 72 hours was 369.7 ± 121.4, with grade 3 PGD occurring in 2 patients (5%). The median intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion requirement was 300 (93.75-727.5) ml. Freedom from nonelective reoperation was 82.5% (n = 33). Mortality was 0% at 90 days, and 1-year survival was 90.5%. Conclusions: Lung transplantation can be safely performed with elective CPB support.