Vienna’s medical university successfully conducted the first coronavirus lung transplant in Europe last week, the medical centre said in a press release Monday. The hospital said the 45-year-old COVID-19 patient would not have survived otherwise but is now recovering well.

“In our view, she is doing exceptionally well and there are not major problems,” said Walter Klepetko, the head of surgery at the clinic.

The hospital said the patient was in good health without prior illnesses before coming down with coronavirus eight weeks ago. Shortly after falling ill, her condition deteriorated dramatically.

“The situation was hopeless,” Klepetko said. “The lung was like a block, there was nothing left,”

The hospital describes the operation as being “highly complicated” but successful.

Klepetko added, “All organs are working and we are very satisfied. But it will still be a long way ahead until we can hopefully discharge her from the hospital.”