Lung Transplant Treatment and Options

Lung transplant offers the promise of treatment for otherwise untreatable lung diseases. Our multidisciplinary care team evaluates candidates and treats their diseases at every stage, in one location, and attends to all related issues for patients and families. This comprehensive treatment ensures that every aspect of a child’s life is considered during treatment. Our patients stay at or nearby the hospital for several months after treatment and are followed daily to ensure the best possible outcome.

Pre-transplant Care

Our pre-transplant patient evaluations include:

• Laboratory services
• Pulmonary function testing
• Echocardiograms
• Cardiac catheterization
• Radiologic tests

Post-transplant Care

Our post-transplant care includes:

• Laboratory monitoring
• Pulmonary function testing
• Bronchoscopy - Examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope)
• Transbronchial biopsy - Lung tissue can be obtained during a bronchoscopy by passing a forceps through the bronchoscope
• Cardiac catheterization
• Endomyocardial biopsy - A tiny sample of the heart is taken and checked for inflammation
• Outpatient IV infusions in the Short Stay Unit (SSU)
• Outpatient physical therapy
• Assistance with local living arrangements
• School

We also manage immunosuppression, used to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organs. This includes care of rejection episodes and complications from immunosuppressive agents.