Norton Thoracic Institute Transplant Clinic

A lung transplant is a surgery that replaces one or both diseased lungs with healthy lungs from an organ donor. It may be recommended for people with advanced lung disease when other treatments are no longer working.

The transplant team at Norton Thoracic Institute evaluates each patient carefully to determine if a transplant is the best option and develops a personalized treatment plan.

The lung transplant program at Norton Thoracic Institute is one of the largest and most experienced in the United States.

Within its first 10 years, the program became the fastest in the nation to reach 1,000 lung transplants. Today, it continues to perform a high volume of lung transplants and has strong outcomes, including high survival rates and shorter wait times for donor lungs.

Our team regularly treats complex cases and provides highly specialized care for patients with advanced lung disease.

A lung transplant may be considered for people with severe lung disease, including:

• Advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

• Bronchiectasis

• Cystic fibrosis

• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

• Pulmonary fibrosis

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Advanced lung disease that does not respond to other treatments

Our transplant specialists perform a thorough evaluation to determine if transplant surgery is appropriate.

The transplant evaluation is a series of tests and consultations designed to determine if a lung transplant is the right treatment.

Patients typically meet with a multidisciplinary team that may include transplant surgeons, pulmonologists, transplant coordinators, social workers and other specialists. Tests may include imaging, lung function testing, lab tests and other assessments.

This process helps the team understand each patient’s overall health and prepare them for transplant if they qualify.

Yes. Transplant surgery can feel overwhelming, so every patient is supported by a dedicated transplant coordinator and care team.

Your team at Norton Thoracic Institute helps:

• Schedule and coordinate appointments

• Explain tests, treatments, and next steps

• Provide education for patients and families

• Connect you with support services

The goal is to make the process as clear and manageable as possible.

Yes. Patients at Norton Thoracic Institute may have access to clinical trials and innovative therapies that are not widely available.

These research opportunities help advance lung transplant medicine and may provide patients with additional treatment options.

We take a whole-person approach to transplant care. In addition to medical treatment, patients may receive support from:

• Social workers

• Nutrition specialists

• Mental health professionals

• Pain management experts

• Spiritual care providers

Support groups and other resources are also available through Norton Thoracic Institute, Dignity Health Cancer Institute and other community partners.

Our renowned organ transplant team at Norton takes on some of the most complex cases, giving hope to people who are seriously ill. Our transplant services include:

• Kidney transplant

• Liver transplant

• Multi-organ transplant

• Single and double lung transplant

• Living kidney donor services

• Lung cancer screenings

• Lung transplant support groups

• Second opinions

The average wait time for a lung transplant at our center is about two weeks, which is significantly below the national average.

Yes. Our second opinion program gives patients an appointment with our transplant specialists after receiving a diagnosis or recommended treatment plan. During our visit, we can discuss your diagnosis, reassure you of its accuracy or give feedback on the treatment plan your provider recommended.

Norton Thoracic Institute and our Transplant Clinic accept most major insurance plans. To make sure you have access to the care you need, we recommend confirming your insurance coverage, eligibility and benefits before your visit. If you have questions about the plans we accept, please contact our office.