A bacterial infection resulted in the loss of her lungs, but she survived 6 days without them for a second chance

Orange County, CA - January 30th 2017 - In the first ever procedure of its kind, surgeons at Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network removed the bacterial infected lungs of a woman until she could receive a transplant. For 6 days Melissa Benoit fought for life connected to two external life support circuits. Having removed the source of the infection, her body was able to recover and remain in a stabilized condition to undergo transplant. Now the medical team is examining criteria for other patients needing the procedure while waiting for transplant.

A sufferer of cystic fibrosis, Melissa had been taking prescription antibiotics to ward off chest infections. The infections soon lead to a diagnosis of influenza, leaving her struggling to breathe and with severe coughs resulting in the fracture of multiple ribs. The infestation inflamed her lungs and filled them with liquid consisting of blood, pus and mucous. Melissa’s rate of respiratory failure left physicians unable to save her lungs and were left with no other choice but to arrange a transplant. Although the only viable option left, her body was left unfit to undergo the surgery.

With the failure of conventional ventilation in improving oxygen levels, the medical team placed Melissa on Extra-Corporeal Lung Support (ECLS) to provide respiratory and cardiac support, however there was no improvement in her condition. The infection continued to spread and antibiotics proved ineffectual, causing a blood pressure drop, and for her to go into septic shock. Not willing to sit idly by as a patient struggled for life, doctors decided to attempt a procedure never done before.

A bacterial infection resulted in the loss of her lungs, but she survived 6 days without them for a second chance

"This was bold and very challenging, but Melissa was dying before our eyes," said Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, Surgeon-in-Chief, Sprott Department of Surgery. "We had to make a decision because [she] was going to die that night."

A team of physicians determined they would remove her lungs, the source of her infection, in hopes she would recover enough for a transplant. The surgery lasted 9 hours, where one at a time they removed Melissa’s lungs. Though a difficult procedure, her condition greatly improved, with her blood pressure dropping to healthy levels and organs regaining functionality.

Connected to a Novalung as well as an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the two devices helped to further oxygenate her blood, remove carbon dioxide, and maintain a continuous blood flow. Within 6 days she was ready for transplant and the procedure was performed without complications. Surgeons say the transplant was made easier in having the lungs already removed.

Melissa is continuing her recovery and the medical team is working to identify criteria for future patients needing this procedure while awaiting lung transplants. To read their report click here.

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Ampronix is a renowned authorized master distributor of the medical industry's top brands as well as a world-class manufacturer of innovative technology. Since 1982, Ampronix has been dedicated to meeting the growing needs of the medical community with its extensive product knowledge, outstanding service, and state-of-the-art repair facility. Ampronix prides itself on its ability to offer tailored, one-stop solutions at a faster and more cost-effective rate than other manufacturers. Ampronix is an ISO & ANSI/ESD certified facility. To learn more go here.

A bacterial infection resulted in the loss of her lungs, but she survived 6 days without them for a second chance Orange County, CA – January 30th 2017 – In the first ever procedure of its kind, surgeons at Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network removed the bacterial infected lungs of a woman until she could receive […]