Induced hypothermia in critical respiratory failure after lung transplantation

Primary graft failure after lung transplantation is a serious complication with high mortality. We present 2 cases of critical respiratory failure after lung transplantation treated with surface cooling to 32 degrees and 35 degrees C, respectively, as an adjunct to conventional intensive care. Both patients were discharged from the hospital in good clinical condition. Surface cooling may be an effective mode of treatment in patients with critical respiratory failure after lung transplantation and should be considered before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment is initiated. (C) 1998 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.