Lung Transplant

A lung transplant is a significant medical surgery in which a healthy lung from a deceased or, in rare cases, a living donor is used to replace a diseased lung (or both lungs). When alternative treatments for end-stage lung disease are unsuccessful, it is usually taken into consideration.

When is a Lung Transplant Needed?

Common Conditions Leading to Transplant:

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) / Emphysema
2. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) (scarring of lungs)
3. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) (thick mucus damages lungs)
4. Pulmonary Hypertension (high blood pressure in lungs)
5. Bronchiectasis (damaged airways from infections)
6. Sarcoidosis (inflammatory lung disease)

Symptoms That May Indicate Need for a Transplant

• Severe shortness of breath (even at rest)
• Chronic low oxygen levels (requiring supplemental oxygen)
• Frequent lung infections or hospitalizations
• Progressive decline in lung function (FEV1 < 30%)
• Right heart failure (from pulmonary hypertension)
• Inability to perform daily activities

Types of Lung Transplants

1. Single-Lung Transplant (one lung replaced) – Common for IPF or COPD.
2. Double-Lung Transplant (both lungs replaced) – Preferred for CF, bronchiectasis, or severe infections.
3. Heart-Lung Transplant (rare, for severe lung & heart disease).