A double-lung transplant performed on a 3-month-old infant is an example of which level of care?

A double-lung transplant performed on a 3-month-old infant is classified as quaternary care. Quaternary care is considered an extension of tertiary care and involves highly specialized and advanced medical services that are often experimental or not widely accessible. It typically includes complex procedures and treatments for rare or advanced conditions, which aligns with the intricacy and the high level of expertise required for performing a double-lung transplant, especially on such a vulnerable patient as an infant.

In quaternary care, the facilities and expertise involved are at the cutting edge of medical technology and practice, often including specialized surgical procedures, advanced diagnostics, and treatments that are not available at most hospitals. The significance of a double-lung transplant, particularly in a very young patient, emphasizes the need for this level of care, which supports intricate surgical interventions and the management of complex post-operative challenges.