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.

Images and Videos

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

Climbing helmet makes lung transplant possible

PHYSICIANS

Charles Warren Hoopes, MD

Erik Orozco Hernandez, MD

Victoria Rusanov, MD

Vincent G. Valentine, MD

Benjamin Wei, MD

Keith M. Wille, MD

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Lung Transplant. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials