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  3. Lung Procedures, Tests & Treatments
  4. Lung Transplant

Lung Transplant

Learn about the lung transplant process and see if a transplant may be right for you.

Lung transplantation may be a treatment option for people living with a severe lung disease that no longer responds to medications or other treatments. A lung transplant is a complex surgery, and it is important to learn as much as you can about the procedure before you begin.

Conditions that May be Treated by a Lung Transplant

A lung transplant is not the best treatment option for everyone or every lung disease. There are some reasons and conditions that you may not qualify for a lung transplant. If you are living with a lung disease like asthma, chronic bronchitis or lung cancer, a lung transplant is not a treatment option. In addition, you will need to have a strong support network and make lifestyle changes like quitting smoking.  

Types of Lung Transplants

Single lung transplant: One of your diseased or damaged lungs will be removed and replaced by a healthy donor lung.

Double lung transplant: Both lungs will be removed and replaced by healthy donor lungs.

Heart-lung transplant: One or both of your lungs and heart is damaged and replaced by a healthy donor’s lungs and heart. 

Lung Transplant Process

Step 1

Step 1: Transplant Evaluation

A Black male doctor shakes hands with a female patient wearing a blue tank top. A laptop computer is between them.
  • Your lung transplant team may include physicians, surgeons, nurses, social workers, transplant coordinators and financial coordinators. They will screen to determine if you are eligible for a lung transplant.
  • The lung transplant team will evaluate your family history and medical information. They will also review test and procedure results including lung function testing, CT scan, chest X ray, blood tests, tissue typing, and heart bone density testing.  
  • They will need to evaluate your mental and emotional health. 
  • You will need to demonstrate to the team that you understand the risks and benefits, including appreciating what life might be like after the transplant.
  • Some transplant centers have an upper age cut-off for transplants. If you are very healthy, the transplant center may be flexible with the age limit.
Step 2

Step 2: lung Composite Allocation Score (CAS)

A person with light skin wearing a stethoscope writes on a piece of paper.
  • If the transplant team agrees that you are a candidate for a transplant, you will be given a lung CAS. This score is based on many factors such as your age, type and severity of disease and your organ function.
  • The score determines your place on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list and will be updated based on the most current data after each visit with your pre-transplant team.
Step 3

Step 3: Waiting List Placement

Two older, light skinned women walking down a sidewalk together. The woman on the left has short grey hair and is wearing hoop earrings, a light colored scarf and a pink jacket. She has her hand on the woman on the right's shoulder, who has shoulder length white hair, glasses and is wearing a grey jacket.
  • Waiting for an organ donation is incredibly stressful. Lean on your support network and mental health professionals to help you learn and practice new coping skills. Transplant centers may offer pre-transplant support groups.
  • Stay as healthy as you can by eating healthy foods, staying active, avoiding tobacco products and attending all your doctor's appointments.
  • Make sure you are always available and only a short drive away from the transplant center. You never know when you may get a call.
Step 4

Step 4: Transplant Surgery

A light skinned healthcare worker with blue scrubs listens through a stethoscope to the chest of an older female patient laying in a hospital bed.
  • The length and type of surgery depends on whether you are having a single or double lung transplant.
  • Your overall health also impacts how long the surgery will last. Surgery can last anywhere from four to ten hours.
Step 5

Step 5: Life After Surgery

A female dark skinned healthcare provider in pink scrubs smiles at an older, dark skinned patient with grey hair laying in a hospital bed.
  • After surgery, you will be closely monitored for any complications.
  • You will need to begin taking anti-rejection medications.
  • Each person's recovery timeline is different. You may need to spend several weeks in the hospital. Everyone will adjust to their new lungs and medications differently.
  • You will be given detailed instructions about medications, follow-up appointments, diet and exercise and pain management. Maintain healthy lifestyle and avoid smoking, secondhand smoke and other exposures that may put your lungs at risk. It is very important to have members of your support system with you to help you stay organized.

Discuss Your Options

A lung transplant is not an option for all people living with lung disease, and there are risks and benefits. Spend time talking with your healthcare provider so you understand all the steps. 

Remember, you are not alone. There are several ways you can connect with other people who have had a lung transplant as well as lung disease experts:

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Page last updated: November 20, 2024

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