Lung Transplant

What this procedure is

A lung transplant is a major surgery to replace a diseased or failing lung with a healthy lung from a donor. This donor is usually someone who has recently passed away. Depending on your specific health needs, your clinician may recommend replacing just one lung (single lung transplant) or both lungs (double lung transplant). In some rare cases, a patient may receive a heart and lungs at the same time.

During the operation, you are given general anesthesia, which is medicine that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain. The surgeon removes the damaged lung and connects the new donor lung to your airway and blood vessels. After the surgery, you will need to take special medicines for the rest of your life. These are called immunosuppressants, and they help prevent your body’s immune system from attacking the new organ, which is known as rejection.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is typically a treatment for people with severe, end-stage lung disease. This means the lungs are so damaged that other treatments, such as medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, or portable oxygen, are no longer working well enough. The main goal of the transplant is to improve your quality of life and help you breathe more easily.

Your clinician may consider a transplant if you have one of the following conditions:

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): A condition, often including emphysema, that blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: A disease where the lung tissue becomes thick and scarred over time.
• Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic condition that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and lead to infections.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lungs.

How common it is & where it's done

Lung transplants are a well-established medical treatment. Thousands of these procedures are performed every year in the United States. Because it is a complex process, medical teams have developed extensive experience in managing the care of patients before, during, and after the surgery.

These surgeries are performed at specialized transplant centers rather than general hospitals. These centers have dedicated teams of experts to support you, including:

• Transplant surgeons and lung doctors (pulmonologists).
• Specialized nurses and coordinators.
• Social workers and nutritionists.
• Physical therapists.

Your clinician may help you find a transplant center that fits your needs. The center will perform a detailed evaluation to see if a transplant is the right choice for your health and lifestyle.

Recovery: What to Expect

After surgery, you will likely spend several days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A ventilator, which is a machine that helps you breathe, will support you until you are ready to breathe on your own. Most patients stay in the hospital for about two to three weeks to recover.

Your care team will encourage you to start moving as soon as possible. Physical therapy often begins within a day or two of surgery. This helps prevent blood clots and keeps your new lungs clear. Once you go home, your clinician may ask you to visit the transplant clinic often for check-ups and tests to monitor your progress.

Risks & Possible Complications

The most common risks after a lung transplant are rejection and infection. Rejection occurs when your immune system—the body's way of fighting germs—mistakes the new lung for something harmful and tries to attack it. To prevent this, you will take anti-rejection medications, also called immunosuppressants, for the rest of your life.

Because these medicines dampen your immune system, you may be more likely to get sick. Your clinician may suggest ways to avoid germs, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding large crowds during flu season. You should contact your care team if you experience:

• A fever or chills
• New or worsening shortness of breath
• A persistent cough or chest pain
• Feeling unusually tired or weak

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

A lung transplant can significantly improve your quality of life. Many people find they have much more energy and can return to daily activities, like walking or hobbies, that were difficult before. While results vary for everyone, the goal is to help you breathe easier and live more comfortably.

Long-term success depends on following your treatment plan closely. This includes taking all medications exactly as prescribed and attending all follow-up appointments. Your clinician may also recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise to keep your body and your new lungs in good shape.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is very common to feel a range of emotions before and after a transplant. You might feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even sad at times. These feelings are a normal part of adjusting to such a major life change. You do not have to go through this process alone.

Your transplant team is there to support you. They can connect you with social workers, counselors, or support groups where you can talk to others who have had similar experiences. Staying connected with family and friends and focusing on small, daily goals can also help you feel more confident and reassured during your recovery.

Why doctors recommend it

Doctors usually suggest a lung transplant for people with severe, end-stage lung disease. This means the lungs are no longer able to get enough oxygen into the body or remove carbon dioxide effectively. Your clinician may consider this option if other treatments, such as medications, pulmonary rehabilitation (a program of exercise and education), or supplemental oxygen, are no longer helping enough.

Common conditions that might lead to a transplant recommendation include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A condition that blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe.
• Pulmonary fibrosis: A disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue.
• Cystic fibrosis: a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs.
• Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

The decision is based on whether the potential benefits of the surgery, like a longer life or better breathing, outweigh the significant risks involved with a major operation and long-term recovery.

Urgent vs planned treatment

A lung transplant is rarely an emergency surgery because it requires a complex matching process. Instead, it is a planned procedure that begins with a thorough medical evaluation. If your care team determines you are a good candidate, you are placed on a national waiting list to find a compatible donor.

The timing of the surgery depends on when a donor lung becomes available that matches your blood type and body size. Clinicians use a scoring system to prioritize patients based on how urgent their medical need is and how likely they are to thrive after the transplant. While you wait, your clinician may focus on keeping you as healthy and strong as possible to prepare your body for the surgery.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of a lung transplant is to help you breathe more easily and improve your overall quality of life. For many people, this means being able to return to daily activities that were previously too difficult, such as walking, light exercise, or spending time with family.

Other goals of the procedure include:

• Increasing your daily energy levels.
• Reducing or removing the need for supplemental oxygen tanks.
• Helping you live a longer, more active life.

Success is often measured by your ability to return to a more independent lifestyle. After the surgery, you will work closely with your medical team to follow a long-term care plan, which includes taking medications to help your body accept the new lungs.

Who may benefit

A lung transplant is a surgery to replace a diseased lung with a healthy one from a donor. Your clinician may suggest this if you have severe lung disease that no longer responds to other treatments like medicine or oxygen therapy. The goal is to help you breathe more easily and improve your quality of life.

Common conditions that might lead to a transplant include:

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), which damages the air sacs in the lungs.
• Pulmonary fibrosis, which causes scarring of the lung tissue.
• Cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs.
• Pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

When it may not be the right option

A transplant is a major procedure that requires a lifelong commitment to follow-up care. Because of this, your care team will look at your overall health to see if the surgery is safe for you. Certain factors might make a transplant too risky or less likely to succeed.

Your clinician may determine it is not the right option if you have an active infection or a recent history of cancer. Other serious health issues, such as significant heart, liver, or kidney disease, might also mean a transplant is not recommended.

Lifestyle factors are also important. Most programs require patients to be non-smokers and have a stable support system of family or friends to help during recovery. If a patient is unable to follow a strict schedule for daily medications, the care team may suggest other types of treatment instead.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on a transplant is a big step. It is helpful to bring a list of questions to your appointments to better understand the process. Here are some smart questions you might ask:

• What are the specific goals for my transplant?
• What tests do I need to complete to be placed on the waiting list?
• How will this surgery change my daily routine and activity level?
• What kind of support will I need from my family or caregivers after the surgery?
• What are the most common risks for someone with my specific health history?
• How often will I need to come in for follow-up appointments?

In the procedure room

When it is time for your surgery, you will be taken to a specialized operating room. A large team of experts will be there to care for you, including transplant surgeons, surgical nurses, and an anesthesiologist (a doctor who manages sleep and pain during surgery).

The room contains several monitors and machines designed to keep track of your health every second. The team works together to ensure the environment is safe and prepared before the procedure begins.

High-level steps

The surgeon will make an incision (a surgical cut) in your chest to reach the lungs. For a single lung transplant, the cut is usually made on one side of the chest. For a double lung transplant, the cut may go across the chest or be made on both sides.

The surgeon removes the diseased lung and replaces it with the healthy donor lung. The new lung is carefully connected to your main airway (bronchus) and the blood vessels that lead to and from the heart. Once the new lung is in place and the team is satisfied with how it is working, the incision is closed with stitches or staples.

Anesthesia and pain control

You will be given general anesthesia, which means you will be in a deep sleep and will not feel anything during the surgery. Your clinician may also use an epidural, which is a small tube placed near your spine to deliver numbing medicine directly to the chest area to help with comfort after you wake up.

After the surgery, your care team will use IV medications to manage any pain. You may feel some soreness, pressure, or numbness around the incision site, which is a normal part of the recovery process.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority throughout the procedure. The team constantly monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. A ventilator (a breathing machine) will be used to breathe for you while you are under anesthesia.

In some cases, your clinician may use a heart-lung bypass machine or ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). These machines temporarily do the work of your heart and lungs by pumping blood and adding oxygen to it. This allows the surgeons to work safely while your own heart and lungs are resting.

Immediately after the procedure

When the surgery is finished, you will be moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). You will still have a breathing tube in your throat for a short time until you are awake enough to breathe on your own. You will also have small tubes in your chest to drain fluid and air from around the new lungs, which helps the area heal.

It is common to feel very groggy or confused when you first wake up. Your nurses will check on you frequently to monitor your vital signs and help you stay comfortable as the anesthesia wears off.

Typical procedure length

The length of the surgery depends on your specific needs and whether you are receiving one lung or two. A single lung transplant typically takes about 4 to 8 hours. A double lung transplant usually takes longer, often between 6 and 12 hours.

Your surgical team will provide regular updates to your family or loved ones during the procedure so they are kept informed of your progress.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Lung transplant surgery is a major operation that requires precise access to your chest cavity. Because the surgeon must connect blood vessels and airways, the standard approach is typically "open" surgery rather than minimally invasive techniques. The type of cut (incision) used depends on your specific needs and the surgeon’s plan.

• Single lung transplant: The surgeon usually makes a cut on the side of the chest, between the ribs. This is called a thoracotomy.
• Double lung transplant: The incision often goes across the front of the chest, under the breast area. This is sometimes called a "clamshell" incision.

During the procedure, your surgical team may use a heart-lung bypass machine. This machine does the work of your heart and lungs, keeping your blood oxygenated while the new lung is put in place.

Partial vs total

Your medical team will decide how much of the lung tissue needs to be replaced based on your specific disease and overall health. They aim to choose the option that gives the best result with the lowest risk.

• Single lung: This replaces one damaged lung. It is often chosen for conditions like pulmonary fibrosis. It is not always applicable if the remaining lung contains an infection that could spread to the new one.
• Double lung (Total): This replaces both lungs. It is usually necessary for people with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Heart-lung: If both the heart and lungs are severely damaged, a combined transplant may be performed.
• Lobar transplant (Partial): In rare cases, two living donors may each give a section (lobe) of one lung to a recipient. This is less common than receiving organs from a deceased donor.

Revision or repeat procedures

In some cases, a transplanted lung may not function as well as hoped, or the body may reject the organ over time (chronic rejection). When this happens, doctors may evaluate if a second transplant—known as a re-transplant—is possible.

A repeat procedure is not an option for everyone. Re-transplantation is more complex and carries higher risks than the first surgery. Your clinician will look at your physical strength and other health factors to decide if a revision is a safe path forward.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before you can be placed on the lung transplant waiting list, your care team must perform a thorough evaluation. This process helps ensure your body is strong enough for surgery and that you are matched with the right donor organ. This evaluation often requires several visits over days or weeks.

Common tests and screenings include:

• Blood and tissue tests: These check your blood type and immune system markers to help find a compatible donor lung.
• Heart tests: Doctors may use an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart rhythm, an echocardiogram (ultrasound) to look at heart function, or cardiac catheterization to check for blocked arteries.
• Lung function tests: These measure how well your lungs breathe air in and out and how well they deliver oxygen to your blood.
• Imaging scans: A chest X-ray or CT scan provides detailed pictures of your lungs and chest cavity.
• General health screenings: To check for other conditions, your team may request a colonoscopy, dental exam, Pap smear, or mammogram.

Medication adjustments

Managing your current health conditions is a key part of preparing for a transplant. Your transplant team will review all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you currently take. They may adjust your dosages or change certain prescriptions to prevent interactions with the new medications you will need after surgery.

It is important to follow your current schedule closely to keep your body stable while you wait. Only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you. Do not make changes on your own, even if you are feeling better or worse.

You should keep an up-to-date list of all your medications. Bring this list—and the actual medication bottles—with you to your appointments and to the hospital when it is time for your transplant.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Because a donor lung can become available at any time, you must be ready to leave immediately when you get "the call." Most centers recommend packing a "go bag" in advance so you do not have to search for items in a rush.

Your hospital bag checklist may include:

• Your insurance card and photo ID.
• A list of your current medications and emergency contacts.
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, or dentures (if you use them).
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and a robe.
• Personal toiletries, such as a toothbrush and comb.

When you receive the call:

• Stop eating and drinking: As soon as your team calls you, do not take any more food or water unless they tell you otherwise. This is necessary for safe anesthesia.
• Travel safely: Go to the transplant center immediately. Do not drive yourself; have a support person drive you or use arranged transport.
• Hospital preparation: Once you arrive, the team will perform final blood tests and a chest X-ray. You will be prepped for surgery, which may include shaving the chest area and placing an intravenous (IV) line in your arm for fluids and medicine.

General surgical risks

Lung transplant is a major surgery, and like all surgeries, it carries certain risks. Your care team takes many steps to lower these risks and keep you safe during the operation. Common general risks include bleeding or the formation of blood clots. These clots can sometimes travel to the lungs or legs.

There is also a risk of infection at the site of the incision (cut). Additionally, some patients may have a reaction to the anesthesia used to keep them asleep during the procedure. Your doctors will monitor your heart, blood pressure, and oxygen levels closely throughout the surgery to manage these risks.

Procedure-specific complications

Because a lung transplant involves placing a new organ into your body, there are specific complications related to the lungs and the immune system. One of the most common issues is rejection. This happens when your body’s immune system sees the new lung as foreign and tries to attack it. Rejection can happen soon after surgery (acute) or develop slowly over time (chronic).

Other possible complications include:

• Infection: To prevent rejection, you will take medicines that lower your immune system defenses. This makes it easier to catch viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
• Airway issues: Problems can occur where the new lung is attached to your airway. This might include narrowing of the airway (stenosis) or healing issues at the connection point.
• Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD): This is a form of severe lung injury that can happen shortly after surgery, causing fluid buildup and stiffness in the lungs.
• Medication side effects: The strong medicines used to protect your new lung can sometimes lead to other health issues, such as kidney problems, diabetes, or thinning of the bones (osteoporosis).

How complications are treated

Your transplant team focuses heavily on catching problems early when they are most treatable. You will have frequent follow-up appointments, blood tests, and breathing tests (spirometry) to check how well your new lungs are working. If doctors suspect rejection, they may perform a bronchoscopy or biopsy to look at the lung tissue more closely.

Treatment depends on the specific issue:

• For rejection: Doctors often adjust your anti-rejection medications or give you a short course of stronger medicines to stop the immune attack.
• For infections: You may be prescribed antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or antifungal medicines.
• For airway problems: If the airway becomes narrow, doctors can place a small tube called a stent to keep it open or use a balloon to widen it.

Most complications can be managed effectively with timely care and by following your medication schedule exactly as prescribed.

Pain control medicines

After a lung transplant, your care team focuses on keeping you comfortable so you can breathe deeply and begin moving. Your clinician may use a method called patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). This allows you to press a button to receive a safe, set amount of pain medicine through an IV (a small tube in your vein). As you recover, you may transition to oral pain medicines, such as acetaminophen or other prescribed relievers.

It is important to tell your team about any history of allergies to pain medications. They will monitor you for side effects like drowsiness or constipation. Your clinician will tailor your pain plan to your specific needs to ensure you can participate in physical therapy safely.

Antibiotics

Because you will take medicines to prevent your body from rejecting the new lung, your immune system will be less active. To help protect you, your clinician may prescribe antibiotics (medicines that treat or prevent bacterial infections). These are often started just before surgery and continued during your hospital stay.

In addition to antibiotics, you may receive anti-fungal or anti-viral medicines to prevent other types of infections. Your care team will choose these based on your health history and the donor's history. Always let your team know if you experience a new rash, itching, or stomach upset, as these could be signs of a reaction or interaction with other drugs.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

After surgery, you may be less active than usual while you recover in bed. This can increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs. To help prevent this, your clinician may use anticoagulants, which are commonly known as blood thinners. These medicines help keep the blood flowing smoothly and reduce the chance of dangerous clots.

These medicines are often given as a small injection under the skin or as a pill. Your team will watch for signs of easy bruising or bleeding, which are common safety considerations with these drugs. They will adjust your care plan based on your blood tests and how well you are moving around after surgery.

Emergency warning signs

After a lung transplant, some symptoms require immediate attention to protect your new lung and your overall health. If you experience life-threatening symptoms, do not wait for a call back from your transplant coordinator. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Seek emergency care if you have:

• Severe trouble breathing: Struggling to catch your breath or feeling like you are suffocating.
• Chest pain: Sudden or crushing chest pain, pressure, or tightness.
• Coughing up blood: Especially if it is a large amount of bright red blood.
• Sudden confusion: Difficulty speaking, waking up, or staying awake.
• Blue skin or lips: This can be a sign that your oxygen levels are dangerously low.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Your transplant team will give you a specific plan for monitoring your health at home. This often includes using a handheld device (spirometer) to measure how much air you can breathe out. You should contact your coordinator or doctor right away if you notice changes in these numbers or signs of infection or rejection.

Reach out to your medical team if you experience:

• Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills and body aches.
• Breathing changes: A drop in your home spirometry numbers (often a decrease of 10% or more), new shortness of breath, or wheezing.
• Incision issues: Redness, warmth, bad-smelling drainage, or opening of the surgical cut.
• Digestive problems: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that prevents you from taking your anti-rejection medications.
• Fluid retention: Sudden weight gain or swelling in your ankles and legs.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Recovering from major surgery takes time, and it can be hard to tell the difference between normal healing and a problem. Most people feel tired and sore for several weeks. However, symptoms that appear suddenly or get worse instead of better are often a warning sign.

Pain

• Expected: Soreness around the incision site that gradually improves with time and medication.
• Concerning: Sudden, sharp chest pain or pain that gets worse even with pain medicine.

Coughing

• Expected: A mild cough as you clear your lungs after surgery is common for some patients.
• Concerning: A persistent dry cough, a change in the color of mucus you cough up, or coughing accompanied by shortness of breath.

Energy Levels

• Expected: Feeling fatigued or needing naps as your body heals.
• Concerning: Extreme tiredness (fatigue) that feels like the flu, which can be a sign of organ rejection.

Non-surgical treatments

Before considering a transplant, your clinician may try several non-surgical options to help you breathe better. These treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life without the need for a major operation.

• Medications: These might include bronchodilators (medicines that help open the airways) or steroids to reduce inflammation, which is swelling in the lungs.
• Oxygen therapy: This involves using a machine or tank to provide extra oxygen through a mask or small tubes in your nose.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: This is a specialized program that includes exercise, nutrition advice, and breathing techniques to help your lungs work as well as possible.

Watchful waiting

In some cases, your medical team may suggest "watchful waiting." This means they will monitor your lung function closely through regular tests without moving forward with surgery immediately. This is often done when your condition is stable and your symptoms are well-managed by other treatments.

During this time, your clinician may use imaging tests or breathing tests to track any changes in your health. If your lung function is not declining quickly, staying on your current treatment plan may be the safest choice for the time being.

This approach allows you to maintain your current routine while keeping the option of a transplant available. It ensures that surgery is only performed when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

When surgery becomes the best option

A lung transplant is usually considered when other treatments are no longer effective. Your clinician may suggest a transplant if your lung disease has reached an advanced stage and is significantly affecting your daily life.

The decision to move toward surgery often happens when simple tasks, like walking or dressing, become very difficult even with the use of oxygen and medicine. If your medical team determines that your life expectancy is limited without a transplant, they may begin the evaluation process.

The goal of a transplant is to improve your quality of life and help you live longer. Your care team will carefully check your overall health to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure and the recovery that follows.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Lung transplants are typically performed at large medical centers or university hospitals that specialize in organ transplantation. These facilities have dedicated transplant units and intensive care areas designed specifically for patients recovering from major chest surgeries. Because a transplant is a complex process, these hospitals use a multidisciplinary team—a group of different types of experts—to manage your care.

Your care team at these hospitals often includes pulmonologists (doctors who specialize in lung health), thoracic surgeons (surgeons who operate on the chest), and specialized nurses. These centers also have advanced imaging and laboratory services to monitor your health closely before and after the procedure.

Patient resources and support services

Most transplant programs provide a variety of resources to help you and your family navigate the journey. A key person in this process is the transplant coordinator, who serves as your main point of contact and helps organize your appointments and tests. Social workers are also available to help with the emotional and logistical challenges of a transplant.

Common support services include:

• Financial Coordinators: These professionals help you understand insurance coverage and plan for the costs of surgery and long-term medications.
• Support Groups: Many centers host meetings where you can talk with other people who are waiting for or have already received a lung transplant.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This is a program of supervised exercise and education that helps you get as strong as possible before surgery and recover more quickly afterward.
• Mental Health Services: Psychologists or counselors can help you manage the stress and anxiety that often come with a major medical procedure.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing where to have your transplant is an important step. Your clinician may suggest looking at several centers to find the one that best fits your needs. You may want to ask the following questions when visiting a facility:

• How many lung transplants does this hospital perform each year?
• What are the center's patient survival rates, and how do they compare to national averages?
• Does the hospital accept my specific insurance plan?
• Is the hospital located close enough for me to travel there quickly when a donor organ becomes available?
• What kind of housing or lodging is available nearby for my family during my recovery?
• What specific support services, such as peer mentoring or specialized rehabilitation, does the center offer?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

A lung transplant is a surgery to replace a failing lung with a healthy one from a donor. Your clinician may consider this option if your lung disease is very advanced and other treatments are no longer helping you stay active or breathe comfortably.

Common conditions that may be treated with a transplant include:

• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): A group of diseases, including emphysema, that block airflow and make it hard to breathe.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: A condition where the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, which makes it difficult for the lungs to work properly.
• Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, often leading to infections.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can affect both the lungs and the heart.
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: An inherited condition that can lead to severe lung damage over time.

Related symptoms people search for

People who may need a lung transplant often experience symptoms that make it difficult to perform daily activities. These symptoms are usually signs that the lungs are struggling to provide enough oxygen to the rest of the body.

Symptoms that can be associated with severe lung disease include:

• Shortness of breath: This may happen during light activity or even while you are sitting still.
• Persistent cough: A cough that lasts a long time and does not go away with usual medicine.
• Extreme fatigue: Feeling very tired or weak because your body is working much harder than normal to breathe.
• Chest heaviness: A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest area.

Your clinician may use these symptoms, along with specialized tests, to decide if a transplant evaluation is the right choice for you. It is important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by many different health issues, so a professional medical review is necessary.

Evidence overview

Lung transplantation is a recognized and established treatment for people with severe lung conditions who have not improved with other medical therapies. It is most often considered for end-stage diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Medical experts view this procedure as a way to potentially extend life and improve a patient's quality of life.

Research and clinical experience show that while the surgery is complex, many recipients experience better breathing and increased energy levels. The decision to proceed is based on careful medical guidelines that weigh the benefits of a new lung against the risks of surgery. It is generally reserved for cases where the expected benefits clearly outweigh the potential complications.

Safety notes and individualized care

Safety is a top priority throughout the transplant journey. Because the immune system naturally treats a new lung as a foreign object, the body may try to reject it. To manage this risk, patients must take anti-rejection medications (immunosuppressants) for the rest of their lives. While these drugs are necessary to keep the new lung healthy, they can lower the body's ability to fight infections. Your care team will monitor you closely to balance these medications.

Every patient receives a personalized care plan. Before being placed on a waiting list, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure you are strong enough for the procedure. This screening helps the medical team identify and manage specific risks, such as:

• Infection control: Steps to prevent illness while the immune system is suppressed.
• Medication management: Adjusting doses to minimize side effects like high blood pressure or kidney issues.
• Surgical risks: Monitoring for standard surgical concerns like bleeding or blood clots.

Your clinician will work with you to manage these risks through frequent check-ups, blood tests, and lung function tests.

Sources used

The information provided is based on current standards of care from major medical organizations and academic transplant centers. Sources include:

• Mayo Clinic
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Mount Sinai Health System