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. Since 1989, UAB has performed more than 600 lung transplants, which places us among the 10 busiest centers in the nation. Internationally known as one of America’s top transplant centers, UAB has performed more than 10,000 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

Heart, double-lung transplant patient is now a UAB student.

The Gardner family's loss leads to gift of life through organ donation.

Climbing helmet makes lung transplant possible

 

CARE PROVIDERS

Thomas Kaleekal, MD
Thomas Kaleekal, MD
Whitney Holland, CRNP
Whitney Holland, CRNP
Robert Kopf, CRNP
Robert Kopf, CRNP
Kayce Dillon, CRNP
Kayce Dillon, CRNP
Kacy Dunaway, CRNP
Kacy Dunaway, CRNP
Kayla Travis, PA-C
Kayla Travis, PA-C
Erik Hernandez, MD
Erik Hernandez, MD
Victoria Rusanov, MD
Victoria Rusanov, MD
Charles Hoopes, MD
Charles Hoopes, MD
Keith M. Wille, MD
Keith M. Wille, MD
Benjamin Wei, MD
Benjamin Wei, MD
 

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 Trials