Lung Transplant
Lung transplantation is a procedure for end-stage lung disease to replace a diseased organ with a healthier one from a deceased organ donor. It is an option used to improve the health and prolong survival of patients. Lung transplant can benefit patients with diseases such as cystic fibrosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), pulmonary arterial hypertension, autoimmune-related advanced lung disease, sarcoidosis, and silicosis. Patients must be referred by their local pulmonologist and their records reviewed. Once accepted for potential transplant, patients are extensively evaluated in a clinic visit. If they qualify, they are listed for transplant and seen in clinic every three months. Transplant surgery generally lasts 4 to 12 hours, followed by 8 to 24 hours of stabilization in an intensive care unit (ICU) in the hospital. Recovery will be in the Heart and Lung Transplant ICU (HTICU). When well enough, patients are discharged to local housing for several weeks for outpatient follow-up care.
Why UAB
UAB is one of about 65 active lung transplantation centers in the United States, and is among the 10 busiest centers in the nation. Internationally known as one of America’s top transplant centers, UAB has performed more than 15,000 organ transplants since 1968, and we are widely recognized for our outstanding patient outcomes, dedication to patient care, and pioneering achievements in lung transplantation.
VIDEOS
Why Choose UAB for Transplant
Cooper Pierce: Heart, Double-Lung Transplant
Transplant Pkg from UAB Health System on Vimeo.
Cooper Pierce was 13 years old when doctors diagnosed him with pulmonary hypertension, and he underwent a heart and double-lung transplant at UAB Medicine. Now, he's a student at UAB and hopes his story can inspire others.
Organ Donation
Parents, Hope and Stephen Gardner, chose to donate their son, Chris', organs, following a fatal bicycle accident, Learn more about how to give the gift of life by becoming an organ donor.


RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
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Lung Transplant Gives Patient a New Lease on Life