Lung Transplant Evaluation

Step One: Am I Eligible?

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Overview

A lung transplant evaluation helps your doctors decide if transplantation is the best therapy to improve your condition and to determine if you have any health concerns that would affect your recovery. The evaluation includes consultations with transplant team members, physical examinations, blood work, and other tests. We gather a great deal of information so we can make recommendations as quickly as possible about your ability to have a successful transplant.

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Reasons for Lung Transplantation

Content

Lung transplantation can be an option for people with end-stage lung disease -- when your lungs are so unhealthy that they cannot function, and your lung disease cannot be corrected any other way. The following lung diseases may cause your lungs to fail:

Pulmonary fibrosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cystic fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Scleroderma
Sarcoidosis
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Occupational lung disease
Lung disease due to prior cancer treatments, such as bone marrow transplant, radiation, and chemotherapy

Our Locations

Lung transplant surgery is performed at Duke University Hospital. Pre- and post-transplant appointments take place at our pulmonology clinic in Durham.

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Lung Transplant Evaluation Tests

Tests Overview

Evaluation for lung transplantation can occur in the hospital or as an outpatient. You may have a two-day (limited) evaluation or a full, five-day evaluation. The schedule depends on how healthy you are, the timing of your transplant, and if you are able to tolerate activity. You will have some or all of the following tests, plus additional testing as needed.

Blood Tests

Description

Several blood tests will be performed to determine your blood type and assess the health of your kidneys, liver, and immune system. We also check for viruses or other infections that could cause a problem after surgery.

Pulmonary Function Tests

Description

These tests measure your breathing capacity. You will be asked to breathe in and out while a technologist measures the amount of air and the strength of your lungs.

Ready for an Evaluation?

If you are interested in making an appointment for an evaluation, please ask your pulmonologist to submit a referral.

Download Our Referral Form

or call 919-646-4045

Imaging

Description

A series of imaging scans will give your doctor detailed pictures of your organs, blood vessels, and other vital structures. All of these scans are noninvasive and painless.

An echocardiogram evaluates your heart’s valves. It also measures your heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.
A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan measures blood and air supply to your lungs and looks for blood clots in the lungs.
A chest CT scan provides a 3D image of the inside of your lungs and chest.

Arterial Blood Gas Analysis

Description

This blood test measures how efficiently your lungs bring oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide.

Heart Catheterization

Description

In this minimally invasive procedure, your doctor will numb an area of your skin and insert a small tube (called a catheter) into an artery in your groin. The catheter will be guided into your heart to take detailed assessments of the pressures and blood flow inside your heart and lungs.

Esophageal Manometry Test

Description

This procedure shows your doctor how the muscles in your esophagus work when you swallow. A catheter is passed into your stomach through your nose. During the test, you will be asked to swallow water.

24-Hour Gastric pH Test

Description

This test is usually performed right after the esophageal manometry test. It determines how often acid from your stomach comes up into your esophagus. A small tube is placed in your stomach through your nose and will stay in place overnight. You will be asked to keep a food and drink diary while the test is in progress. The next morning, the tube will be removed.

Pulmonary Physical Therapy Assessment

Description

This exercise evaluation involves a six-minute walk test. It determines your tolerance for physical activity and your oxygen needs for activity.

Clinical Trials at Duke

Our doctors are leaders in transplantation research, which gives you access to best practices and new therapies through our lung transplant programs and clinical research.

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Requirements for Lung Transplant Consideration

Treatments Overview

To be considered for a lung transplant, you must commit to staying healthy. The healthier you are, the better your odds are for a successful surgery.

Stop Smoking

Description

We require that you abstain from nicotine in all forms, including cigarettes, patches, and gum for six months before surgery. You must also complete a relapse prevention program and remain completely nicotine-free after transplant. Blood tests that reveal any exposure to tobacco will be performed at each transplant clinic visit. Our smoking cessation programs offer personalized treatment plans to help you quit for good.

Participate in Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Description

We require participation in our rehabilitation physical therapy before your transplant to ensure physical readiness for surgery. You will spend several weeks taking part in supervised exercise -- at least three days a week -- and transplant education classes led by our lung transplant team. If you live more than two hours from Duke, we can help you relocate to Durham so that you can participate in the program.

Choose a Caregiver

Description

When you have a lung transplant at Duke, you are required to choose a primary caregiver who will support you throughout the transplantation process. They will:

Attend appointments and education sessions
Drive you to and from appointments, physical therapy, and surgery
Manage your medications after surgery
Provide personal care support (bathing, cooking, and chores)

Follow Recommendations from Your Transplant Team

Description

You may be asked to adhere to a special diet, gain or lose weight, and meet other requirements such as taking medications as prescribed and attending all appointments with your transplant team.

Best Hospital for Pulmonology and Lung Surgery in NC

Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our pulmonology and lung surgery program is nationally ranked, and the highest ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2021–2022.

Next Steps

Content

After the evaluation is complete, the entire lung transplant committee meets to discuss your results and determines whether a lung transplant should be your next step. We perform both single- and double-lung transplants, as well as heart-lung transplants, depending on factors such as your underlying disease and previous chest surgeries. Your committee may decide:

Lung transplantation is not the best treatment option. This may be because of an ongoing health condition like cancer or a lifestyle choice such as smoking.
It is too soon for transplant. In this case, the team will continue to monitor your health to identify the best time for transplantation in the future. Being evaluated early in your transplant journey is recommended; this gives you time to prepare physically, mentally, and financially for surgery.
More information is needed. If this is the committee’s decision, you will be asked to complete additional tests or meet certain goals -- like losing weight -- to improve your candidacy.
Lung transplantation is the best treatment option for you. After completing pulmonary rehabilitation and meeting other requirements, you will be approved for listing on the national United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) lung transplant waiting list.

Step 2: Waiting for Lungs

Patient Resources

Reviewed: 11/09/2021