Medical Breakthroughs in Vietnam

Simultaneous
Heart–Lung Transplant

A turning point on Vietnam's organ-transplant medical map

Viet Duc University Hospital successfully performed the first simultaneous heart–lung transplant in Vietnam, marking a significant breakthrough in the country’s organ transplantation field.

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In August 2025, Viet Duc University Hospital marked a historic milestone by successfully performing a simultaneous heart-lung transplant on a 38-year-old female patient. This is considered one of the most complex organ transplantation techniques in the world, offering new hope for patients with end-stage organ failure.

Core technical breakthroughs:

Anastomosis improvement: The technique of connecting both main bronchi helped optimize blood supply and prevent necrosis.
Lung volume reduction: The donor lungs were surgically reduced in size to achieve optimal compatibility with the recipient’s chest cavity.
Multidisciplinary intensive care: The team coordinated nearly 40 types of medications with an advanced blood filtration system to prevent rejection and protect multiple organs.

Outcome: The patient recovered steadily, was able to breathe independently, and returned to normal life. This achievement officially places Vietnam on the map of countries that have fully mastered one of the world’s most challenging organ transplantation techniques.

Simultaneous Heart — Lung Transplantation

WHY THIS TECHNIQUE IS SPECIAL

One of the Most Complex Transplant Techniques

Considered one of the most challenging techniques in modern medicine

Multidisciplinary coordination

Close coordination between Cardiology, Respiratory Medicine, Intensive Care, and Immunology

Personalized treatment

Treatment protocols are individually tailored for each patient to optimize outcomes

Leading medical team

Experienced doctors who have successfully managed many complex cases

BREAKTHROUGH MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENT

BREAKTHROUGH SOLUTIONS

Innovative Bronchial Anastomosis
Instead of using the traditional tracheal connection method, doctors connected the two main bronchi to ensure optimal blood perfusion and minimize the risk of anastomotic necrosis.

Lung Volume Reduction Technique (Volume Reduction)
The donor lungs, which were larger than the recipient’s chest cavity, were meticulously reduced in size to achieve a perfect fit, ensuring proper respiratory function immediately after surgery.

“Balanced Medication” Strategy
A treatment protocol combining nearly 40 medications along with advanced blood filtration systems to both strongly prevent organ rejection, protect kidney function, and control multidrug-resistant infections.

Personalized Care Protocol
Parenteral nutrition and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are individually tailored for critically weakened patients.

SUPERIOR OUTCOMES

From Critical Prognosis to Remarkable Recovery
From a patient with multiple organ failure, severe valvular heart disease, and complete dependence on mechanical support, she was able to breathe independently and gradually return to normal life.

Optimizing Survival Outcomes
The 1-year survival rate can reach 72%–90%, and around 60% after 5 years — a significant improvement compared to conventional medical treatments.

Affirming Vietnam’s Medical Excellence
Vietnam has officially established its place among the countries that have mastered the world’s most complex organ transplant techniques, showcasing the exceptional clinical expertise of its domestic medical teams.