Hanoi, August 13, 2025 – Viet Duc University Hospital has successfully performed the first simultaneous heart–lung transplantation in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in advanced organ transplantation and the treatment of patients with multiple organ failure.
The patient, Tran Nhu Q, 38 years old, was admitted in critical condition with Eisenmenger’s syndrome, irreversible right ventricular failure, and severe tricuspid regurgitation. He had a history of atrial septal defect and severe pulmonary hypertension, previously treated with device closure in 2011, but had not been under regular follow-up. Given the extent of multi-organ failure, combined heart–lung transplantation was the only viable option to improve prognosis.
Donor lung procurement posed major challenges: the donor lungs were infected with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and were larger in size than the recipient’s thoracic cavity.
The surgery lasted seven hours, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration, temporary extracorporeal circulation, and main bronchial anastomosis to ensure perfusion and optimal graft function. Intraoperatively, the ROTEM system was employed for real-time coagulation monitoring, guiding transfusion management and anticoagulation balance, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the transplant.
Postoperatively, the patient was managed in intensive care with immunosuppressive therapy, hemofiltration for renal failure and drug level control, and discontinuation of nephrotoxic antibiotics. Supportive care also included enhanced nutrition, pulmonary toilet, and rehabilitation therapy.
At present, the patient is conscious, with stable function of the transplanted heart and lungs, and progressive improvement in mobility.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Huu Lu, Deputy Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Viet Duc University Hospital, stated: “Heart–lung block transplantation is an advanced technique, indicated for patients with end-stage combined cardiac and pulmonary disease, when all other treatment options have been exhausted.”
Dr. Duong Duc Hung, Director of the hospital, emphasized that this transplantation demonstrates Vietnam’s capability to perform highly complex transplant procedures and provides a foundation for further improving the quality of care for patients with severe cardiopulmonary conditions.
At the press conference announcing the transplant, Dr. Ha Anh Duc, Director General of the Department of Medical Services Administration, Ministry of Health, affirmed: “We have given a mother back her daughter, a child back her mother, and a younger sister back her elder sister.”
He also noted that the Department will evaluate the heart–lung transplantation protocol and issue national implementation guidelines; the Ministry of Health plans to submit proposals on organ transplantation development to the National Assembly in May 2026.
Medcomtech sincerely congratulates the entire medical team of Viet Duc University Hospital and takes pride in the presence of the ROTEM system in this landmark surgery, underscoring the role of advanced technology in enhancing the quality and safety of organ transplantation in Vietnam.
This achievement is not only a technical success but also a humanitarian symbol and a new source of hope for end-stage cardiopulmonary patients and their families.
