Lung Transplantation – Health Conditions for Lung Transplant and Types of Lung Transplants

Table of Content

A lung transplant is not suggested for just anybody. Listed below are the conditions that lead to irreversible progressive lung failure, needing a transplant.

Conditions That Require Lung Transplant

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which is a major type of interstitial lung disease (a cause of progressive lung shrinkage)
Fibrotic interstitial lung diseases due to other causes (connective-tissue diseases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis) causing progressive lung failure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Bronchiectasis with progressive respiratory failure
Cystic fibrosis, an inherited progressive disease in which lungs are affected
Sarcoidosis

Types of Lung Transplant

The choice of the type of lung transplant most suitable for you is made by your treating transplant team.

Single Lung Transplant: In this procedure, only one of the diseased lungs is transplanted.
Double Lung Transplant: Both lungs are transplanted.
Heart-Lung Transplant: This type of transplant is done for a few select patients and the heart and both the lungs are transplanted from a donor.
Living Lobar Transplants: While most of the donors for lung transplant are deceased, a lobe or a part of the lungs from fit, non-smoking adults can also be used for transplant provided they meet the criteria for transplant. A living lobar transplant will not affect the donor and he/she can go on to lead a healthy life.

Suitability for Lung Transplant

You might need a lung transplant but there are associated conditions that will reduce the success of the procedure. At Kauvery Hospital, Dr. Srinivas Rajagopala, Director, Transplant Pulmonology & Lung Failure Unit, will carefully search for conditions which will prevent us from offering you a transplant. Some of them are listed below.

Any cancer within the last 2 years, with very few exceptions
Untreatable advanced failure of another major organ system like liver, heart or kidney (unless dual organ is being considered)
Acute renal failure with rising creatinine or on dialysis and low likelihood of recovery
Stroke within 30 days
Acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction within 30 days (excluding demand ischemia)
Critical or unstable clinical condition
An incurable chronic extra pulmonary infection, including human immunodeficiency virus
Active infection at the time of evaluation, including active tuberculosis
Significant chest wall and/or spinal deformity
Obesity (BMI>32 kg/m²) or malnourishment (BMI<19 kg/m²)
Limited functional status (e.g. non-ambulatory) with poor potential for post-transplant rehabilitation
Untreatable psychiatric or psychological condition associated with the inability to cooperate or comply with medical therapy
Ongoing smoking, drug or alcohol abuse
Absence of supportive social network for care post-transplant

Please contact us at +91 9150277712 for approx. cost details.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What health conditions may require a lung transplant?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
COPD
Pulmonary hypertension
Bronchiectasis
Cystic fibrosis
Sarcoidosis

2. What types of lung transplants are there?

Single Lung Transplant: One lung.

Double Lung Transplant: Both lungs.

Heart-Lung Transplant: Heart and both lungs.

Living Lobar Transplant: A lobe from a living donor.

3. Who is not suitable for a lung transplant?

Recent cancer

Advanced organ failure

Acute renal failure or stroke

Active infections (e.g., TB, HIV)

Significant deformities

4. Can a living person donate a lung for transplant?

Yes, a healthy adult can donate a lung lobe.

5. Why might someone not be considered for a lung transplant?

Serious health conditions, infections, or lack of support reduce transplant success.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801