Lung Transplantation

A lung transplant may be a treatment option when your diseased lungs can no longer support your body's needs.

It is important to discuss a possible lung transplant well before you may need it. This will give you time to prepare for transplant as a future option and work with your cystic fibrosis care team to understand the implications and to create a plan.

Whether you're considering a lung transplant or maintaining your health if you've had a transplant, this list can help you learn about transplant centers, including the one your cystic fibrosis care team may have referred you to.

It is important to understand that having a lung transplant can be expensive before, during, and after the transplant. Your health insurance may cover many of the costs, but not all of them.

Because transplant is such a complex process, most transplant centers require that candidates gather the necessary social support to help navigate the transplant process.

If your cystic fibrosis care team refers you to a lung transplant center, you and your transplant team will have the opportunity to get to know each other.

To be considered for a lung transplant, you must undergo an extensive evaluation at a transplant center. The process can take several days to several weeks, depending on the center. This evaluation will inform the transplant team about your health, finances, support system, and ability to follow a complex medical regimen.

If the transplant committee thinks transplant surgery would be harmful to you, ask your transplant team about what options you have. It is possible that you will need to receive treatment for another medical condition before you may be considered a good candidate for a lung transplant.

There are many things that you can do while waiting for donor lungs to become available. Preparing for a lung transplant includes maintaining your health, performing your routine cystic fibrosis care, and being ready to respond when donor lungs are available.

You may be waiting for a transplant for a long time. While you're waiting, there are some things you will have to do in addition to your normal routine, to ensure you remain healthy and eligible for transplant.

Surgery and recovery involves more than replacing your lungs. The process also includes making the physical and emotional adjustment to life with your new lungs.

Taking care of your new lungs is a big responsibility. Your transplant team will help you learn how to reduce the risk of infection and rejection and keep your lungs healthy. 

Transplant and recovery is physically and emotionally stressful. But, there are things you can do to help you cope with the stress and the changes in your life that a transplant can bring.

Life after transplant includes taking care of your new lungs — and your cystic fibrosis.

The Cystic Fibrosis Lung Transplant Consortium is made up of 15 lung transplant centers in the U.S. and Canada with the goal of improving care and conducting research in cystic fibrosis lung transplantation.