When is it time for a lung transplant? What is involved in the evaluation process?
When someone with CF develops severe lung disease, the CF care team may discuss the option of lung transplantation with the person. The doctor can refer the person to a lung transplant center for evaluation. The transplant center evaluates the person’s health to determine if a lung transplant is necessary and timely. Tests examine how well the lungs, heart, and kidneys function, the types of bacteria in the lungs, and, because of the serious health care implications of transplantation, the person’s psychological well being. The transplant center also will evaluate the person’s social support system including family, friends, and professional support. Most components of the evaluation are standard, but each center can have some specific requirements. The staff’s decision to accept a person for a transplant is specific to that center. back to top How many people with CF have had lung transplants? Approximately 900 lung transplants are performed each year in the United States. According t
