Overview
Since the inception of Penn Medicine's lung transplant program in 1991, nearly 800 successful lung transplants have been performed and many lives have been dramatically improved. In recent years, surgeons at Penn Medicine have performed more than double the number of lung transplants than any other transplant program in the Philadelphia region.
The lung transplant program at Penn Medicine, part of the Penn Transplant Institute's multi-organ transplant center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, has established a national reputation with a number of noteworthy attributes that include a specialized multidisciplinary team of lung transplant pulmonologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurse practitioners, chest radiologists, physical and respiratory therapists, financial counselors and social workers; all dedicated to caring for patients and their loved ones throughout the transplant process.
Lung transplantation is a surgical option for select patients with advanced lung disease. It is considered for patients whose lung disease has progressed to the point that medical treatment alone is no longer successful.
Lung transplant has the potential to treat many types of lung diseases including:
- Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Sarcoidosis
How the Lungs Work
With inspiration (breathing in), oxygen travels down the trachea or windpipe. From there, it goes through the many branches of the respiratory tree: the bronchi, and the bronchioles. The oxygen reaches the alveoli, or air sacs, where it is taken up by the bloodstream in exchange for carbon dioxide (C02). From there the oxygen-rich blood is sent through the body where it is used by the heart, brain, kidneys, muscles and other important organs and tissues. The blood carries CO2, the waste product, back to the lungs to be exhaled, and the process starts all over again.
Lung disease can affect other parts of the entire body so it is important to evaluate your entire health when considering lung transplantation. Replacing a diseased lung with a healthy donor lung can greatly improve respiratory function, may improve the ability to exercise and work, and should allow someone to return to a normal lifestyle and an improved quality of life.
It is essential that patients know as much as possible about the lung transplant process in order to make the best decisions about their health care. The Penn Lung Transplant Team expects patients to be fully committed partners in managing their health. Successful transplant care requires that patients understand lung disease, the expectations and responsibilities associated with transplantation and the medical options available.
For More Information
For more information about who may be a candidate for lung transplant, please see Penn Medicine’s patient selection criteria. For more information about scheduling a consultation, please visit Contact Us & Locations. Details about the OPTN, UNOS, lung allocation policy and patient information resources are available from: