Lung Transplant

Lung Transplant Evaluation and Waiting List

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-5505

Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-5505

The decision to perform a lung transplant depends on many factors. These include:

  • Patient’s overall health
  • Severity of the lung disease
  • Availability of suitable donor lungs
  • Patient preferences and treatment goals

Our lung experts partner with patients and their families to choose the most appropriate treatment.

How Does Someone Get on the Lung Transplant List?

Before we add a patient’s name to the national waiting list, we complete a detailed evaluation to confirm that the transplant offers more benefit than risk. We consider whether the patient meets criteria such as:

  • Advanced, noncancerous lung disease that no longer responds to medication or breathing devices
  • No active infection and no recent or metastatic cancer
  • Acceptable health of other organs, especially the heart, kidneys, and liver
  • Ability to follow lifelong care plans, including taking immunosuppressant medications and avoiding tobacco and alcohol
  • Reliable social support, such as family or friends who can assist during recovery

If, after a thorough evaluation, we believe that a lung transplant is the best treatment option for a patient – and they want to pursue this option – their name is added to the national United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list.

What Are the Criteria for Receiving a Lung Transplant?

Once listed with UNOS, a patient’s priority for receiving a donor lung is determined by a Composite Allocation Score (CAS). This system uses various weighted factors to help ensure that donated lungs are given to patients who are both in critical need and have the best chance of a successful outcome. It considers:

  • Medical urgency
  • The estimated five-year survival after the transplant
  • Biological matching factors, such as blood type, body size, or immune sensitivity
  • Whether the candidate was younger than 18 at the time of the listing
  • Whether the person has previously donated an organ

What Tests Are Required for Lung Transplant Evaluation?

We give patients a series of medical, physical, and psychosocial tests to assess their overall health, identify potential risks, and ensure they are ready for surgery and long-term recovery.

The evaluation may include:

  • Blood tests to determine blood type and screen for infections or other medical conditions that could affect surgery or recovery
  • Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan, to assess the condition of the lungs and surrounding structures
  • Pulmonary function tests to measure how well the lungs are working
  • Lung biopsy, in some cases, to confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of disease
  • Dental exam to rule out infection that could complicate surgery or healing
  • Women's health screenings, such as a Pap smear and mammogram, as appropriate
  • Psychological and social evaluations to assess mental health, emotional readiness, and support systems for recovery
  • Nutritional and lifestyle reviews, which may include guidance on healthy eating and avoiding tobacco, alcohol, or other substances

How Long Do Most People Wait for a Lung Transplant?

It depends on the severity of the patient’s illness and the availability of suitable donor lungs. The average wait time is several months.