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Penn Transplant Institute

Lung

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FAQs About Lung Transplant

• How long will I have to wait for my lung?
• How is the lung waiting list structured?
• What if I am not a candidate for lung transplant?
• Can I be listed for lung transplant at more than one center?

• How long will I have to wait for my lung?

  The waiting time for a lung transplant is unpredictable. This is due in part to the success of lung transplantation, with more patients being added to the waiting list, combined with a continuing shortage of available donor organs. A suitable donor must have compatible blood type and be a similar size as the identified recipient.

• How is the lung waiting list structured?

  Donor lungs are allocated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and the regional organ procurement organization, Gift of Life Donor Program. A suitable donor for you will have a compatible blood type and be approximately your size. Since the list is based on medical urgency, your status on the list may fluctuate as your disease or other's worsen. For more information, visit the UNOS web site to read answers to frequently asked questions about the lung allocation system.

• What if I am not a candidate for lung transplant?

  Lung transplant is not the best option for everyone. Sometimes, the risk associated with transplant outweighs the benefit. At the Penn Transplant Institute, we are experienced in caring for a range of patients with end-stage lung disease and may be able to offer you other treatment options to help improve your quality of life. If transplant is not the best option for you, you have the option of continuing your relationship with the advanced lung disease program at Penn, where other treatments may be appropriate for you.

• Can I be listed for lung transplant at more than one center?

  Yes. You have the right to be listed for transplant at different centers - provided the centers are in different regions. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please tell your lung transplant coordinator. Our office can facilitate your referral by sending pertinent evaluation records to the center of your choice.

 

For more information, please view our patient guide.