Lung Transplantation
The thoracic organ transplant program at UNC Hospitals is well-known nationally and internationally, especially for its treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis. The UNC transplant team includes board-certified thoracic surgeons who have completed thoracic transplant fellowships, adult and pediatric cardiologists, adult and pediatric pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, transplant coordinators, social workers, physical therapists, infectious disease specialists, radiologists and pathologists.
Lung Transplant Surgeons
For an appointment, please call one of the lung transplant coordinators at the UNC transplant clinic at (919) 966-0424 or (919) 966-6038.
Patient Selection
Lung transplantation may be indicated for children and adults with end-stage pulmonary parenchymal or vascular disease.
The most common diseases that could require single lung transplantation are:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- Emphysema (non-purulent)
- Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
- Post chemotherapy or radiation fibrosis
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis
- Primary pulmonary hypertension
- Sarcoidosis
Conditions requiring double lung transplant include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Emphysema
- Primary pulmonary hypertension
Indications
- End stage pulmonary disease
- Life expectancy of less than 24 months
Contraindications
- Evidence of systemic disease which would separately limit survival
- Irreversible end organ dysfunction
- Unresolved tobacco, alcohol, or other drug abuse
- Documented medical noncompliance
- Age greater than 50 years (double lung) or 60 years (single lung)
- More than minimal use of daily steroids
- Non ambulatory or chronically ventilated patients
- Psychosocial history that would limit ability to comply with medical care post transplant
- Previous thoracotomy, chest tubes, pleurodesis, or pleural stripping are not contraindications to lung transplantation