Lung Transplant Program

The UCSF Lung Transplant Program provides comprehensive care for patients before and after lung transplantation. Since our founding in 1991, we have given more than 1,000 patients with advanced lung disease the chance at a longer, more active life. We perform more than 70 transplants each year.

Our program has established a reputation for accepting challenging, complex cases. Despite this, the survival rate for adults who receive a lung transplant at UCSF consistently exceeds the national average, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). Outcomes data is available from SRTR and from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

We are known for our extensive experience in using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to stabilize patients for long periods while they await transplant. We also use the latest technologies, including the Paragonix LUNGguard transport system and TransMedics Organ Care System, to safeguard organs during long-distance conveyance and to rehabilitate organs outside the body. This allows us to accept organ donations from an expanded pool of eligible donors.

We conduct additional outreach to candidates for lung transplant through our satellite clinics in Sacramento, Portland and Honolulu.

Each patient's team includes a transplant pulmonologist and a transplant surgeon, who together help assess the risks and benefits of surgery, make recommendations and follow the patient through the process. Other team members include the transplant nurse coordinator, transplant social worker, nutritionist, psychologist, pharmacist and physical therapist. We are committed to providing the best care possible and supporting our patients from initial evaluation through surgery and beyond.