Lexington COVID patient survives double lung transplant, six-month stay in hospital
A man who has been at University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital for approximately six months was released on Wednesday after receiving a double-lung transplant to help him survive COVID-19, according to UK HealthCare officials.
Victor Gonzales-Villatoro was hospitalized in October 2021 with COVID-19. UK said the disease ravaged his lungs, and his family was told he had almost no chance of survival.
In a last ditch effort, doctors placed Gonzales-Villatoro on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a type of life support, and put him on the transplant list for a new set of lungs.
Gonzales-Villatoro was unconscious for several months while on ECMO, according to UK HealthCare. He eventually awoke, and gradually gained enough strength for the transplant.
Doctors said Gonzales-Villatoro even got up and walked while still connected to ECMO at one point in his recovery.
UK officials said Gonzales-Villatoro got a new set of lungs on March 1. One week later, he was off the ventilator and walking on his own power.
“Victor’s fighting spirit and unwavering determination endeared him to his care providers,” UK said in a news release. “On March 23, after six months in the hospital, Victor was discharged amid a chorus of cheers and applause. He will spend the next few weeks at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital where he will work to regain his strength and endurance.”
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 11:55 AM.
