Lung transplantation may be considered as therapy for advanced irreversible lung diseases. Significant
advances in experience and organ availability continue to expand patient populations that may be
candidates for lung transplantation.
Patients with the following lung diseases should
be referred for transplant consideration:
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
- Bronchiectasis
- Congenital Abnormalities
- COPD/Emphysema
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Eisenmenger’s Syndrome
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
- Obliterative Bronchiolitis
- Occupational Lung Disease
- Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
The multidisplinary team of the UH Transplant
Institute evaluates potential lung transplant
candidates to establish whether or not lung
transplantation represents optimal therapy for
that particular patient. Occasionally, alternate
successful therapies may be identified.
General Indications
All patients considered for lung transplantation
shall be suffering from end-stage pulmonary
disease and be:
- Less than 70 years of age
- Free from other major organ disease
- Free from major psychosocial problems
- Capable of participating in pre- and postoperative
rehabilitation programs and follow-up
Absolute Contraindications for Lung Transplant:
- Significant systemic or multisystem disease
- Active or systemic infection
- Significant hepatic disease
- Significant renal disease
- Current cigarette smoking (minimum six-month
period of abstinence and a commitment to
continue not smoking post-transplant)
- History of major cancer within five years
- Other major medical illness
- Major psychiatric illness