Lung Transplant

University Medical Center's successful history in lung transplantation began in 1990 when our physicians performed the first single-lung transplant in Arizona. Three years later, UMC became the first hospital in Arizona to perform a double-lung transplant. In addition, UMC has been performing heart/lung transplantation since 1985. As the oldest lung transplant center in Arizona, our clinical experience and expertise allows us to accept complex cases that other centers often turn down. 

For those patients with end-stage, non-malignant lung disease, lung transplantation at University Medical Center is a lifesaving and a life-improving procedure. Our lung transplant team is dedicated to a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, allowing our patients the chance to receive the most thorough care possible.

Why do I need a Lung Transplant or a Heart/Lung Transplant?

End stage lung disease can be caused by many different diseases. The top four diseases that indicate lung transplant are:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF),
• pulmonary hypertension, and
• Cystic fibrosis. 

Currently, the most common indication is COPD.

Heart/Lung transplantation is a procedure reserved for those patients whose lives would not be improved from a heart or lung transplant alone. These patients usually suffer from end stage cardiopulmonary disease caused by one of the following:

• complex congenital disease with pulmonary hypoplasia or Eisenmenger syndrome,
• primary pulmonary hypertension,
• congenital lung abnormalities,
• alpha-antitrypsin deficiency,
• end-stage parenchymal lung disease

Specialized Services

Designated as a national training center for minimally invasive lung surgery

Procedures

Lung and heart/lung transplant is a complex and in depth procedure. At UMC, our interest is with the patient, and as such, we require specific testing to make sure that transplant is the very best option for each patient. A patient that is referred to the lung or heart/lung transplant program at UMC can expect to undergo the following procedures for transplant surgery clearance:

• Complete history and physical
• Complete pulmonary assessment to include:
• Blood Gases at rest and during exercise
• Pulmonary function tests:
• obtained and % predicted with pre and post bronchodilator. Helium dilution lung volumes, single breath diffusion capacity, flow volume curve inspiratory expiratory
• Six-minute walk for distance
• VQ Scan
• MUGA Scan
• Chest X Ray
• EKG
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Labs
• Cultures
• Skin Tests (TB)
• CT Scan of Chest and Abdomen
• Vascular Doppler Studies of legs and carotids
• Complete Dental Exam
• Consultation with Transplant Social Worker and Transplant PsychologistImmunological studies
• Nutrition Assessment

These tests will be scheduled by your transplant coordinator, and will be performed at UMC. If you are a woman, you will require an annual pap smear, and if you are over 50, you will need a mammogram. The results of the above tests may indicate further testing to verify that transplantation is the absolute best option for you as a patient. Your transplant coordinator can assist with this.