Current precautions and future directions in lung transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic - a single center cohort study

Abstract

The unprecedented public health emergency caused by the acute viral respiratory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has drastically changed current practices in solid organ transplantation, markedly so for transplantation of the lungs, the major target of the virus. Although national and state authorities do not recommend postponing transplant procedures, most specialists are reluctant to proceed due to substantial uncertainty and increased risks in the midst of the pandemic. There is an urgent need for evidence-based directions to move forward. Here, we offer our insights as specialists at a high-volume center located in a geographical area with high infection rates.

Keywords: COVID-19; computed tomography; donor selection; health personnel; infectious disease transmission; lung transplantation; pandemic; recipients selection.