When the lungs are damaged and unable to transfer oxygen to cells, lung failure occurs. There are a number of conditions which can lead to lung failure, including emphysema, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. As a last resort, when the lung failure is irreversible, transplantation is offered. During transplant surgery, one or both diseased lungs will be replaced with healthy organs donated by another human being. Prior to proceeding with transplantation, the potential candidate must undergo a series of exams to evaluate the severity of lung disease and to ascertain that no alternative treatment is available. Lung transplant may be recommended for patients with any severe end stage lung disease, however patients recently diagnosed with cancer, or those with advanced kidney, liver or heart dysfunction may not be candidates. Transplant procedures are very involved and require life-long medical therapy in order to succeed. It is very important that transplant recipients have strong social support systems in place and remain compliant with continued medical therapy after surgery. |
Florida Advanced Cardiothoracic Surgery