Lung Transplant

Nurse with a lung transplant patient

A Team of Lung Transplant Specialists Dedicated to You

If you have advanced lung disease, a lung transplant can offer a longer, better quality of life. At the University of Chicago Medicine, our experienced lung transplant team will carefully evaluate your unique medical needs to determine whether a transplant is the right option for you. We're with you during the entire transplant journey — coordinating your evaluation, managing your surgery and guiding your post-operative rehabilitation with a plan designed for your specific health needs.

If you have been declined for a lung transplant at another center because of age or other health conditions, we may still be able to help. Our team routinely performs double-lung and multi-organ transplants, including for patients over 65, those with complex conditions, and those who need a second transplant.

Request an Appointment

Take the next step in your care. Call us at 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your lung transplant evaluation, or request an online second opinion from our specialists today.

Flor Cerda with lung transplant patient

Lung Transplant Surgery

Whether you need an initial evaluation or a second opinion, the UChicago Medicine lung transplant specialists are here to help.

Kaitlyn Daly + Lea La Sota w patient

Personalized Transplant Care

Our world-class lung transplant team will be with you every step of the way. Starting from your first phone call, we will guide you through evaluation, treatment and recovery.

What conditions lead to lung transplant?

End-stage lung disease (also known as advanced lung disease) leads to loss of lung function that may require a lung transplant. You may be evaluated for a lung transplant at one of our clinics if you have one of these conditions:

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-888-824-0200 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

You can also make an appointment with our providers by:

Requesting an online second opinion from our specialists 

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

* Indicates required field

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

Types of Lung Transplant

We provide complex single and multi-organ transplants, including procedures not widely available at other centers:

  • Single-lung transplant
  • Double-lung (bilateral) transplant
  • Heart-lung transplant
  • Lung-liver transplant
  • Lung-kidney transplant
  • Second transplant

If your lung function isn't improving with other treatments, we'll work with you to build a care plan that fits your preferences and goals. We can also perform transplants for patients who are highly sensitized — meaning they have a higher risk of organ rejection — and for patients with swallowing disorders that can complicate surgery.

Read lung transplant frequently asked questions.

Why Choose Lung Transplant at UChicago Medicine

At the University of Chicago Medicine, you are our priority. Our attentive team is dedicated to tailoring your care to your unique needs. We take pride in how we set ourselves apart from other transplant centers. When you come to UChicago Medicine for lung transplant, you will find:

A team of experts

We have vast experience with complex lung diseases and the expertise to know what to do in many different scenarios. We also offer second opinions and innovative options for difficult cases. We actively participate in clinical trials and research to improve outcomes for all our lung transplant patients.

Active organ matching team 

We are leading a dedicated, concerted effort to get viable lungs for those who need them. Our efforts have decreased waiting times for lung transplantation surgery.

Support for Latino patients

Our Latino transplant program is one of only a few in the country dedicated to supporting Latino and Hispanic patients and families. Our Spanish-speaking surgeons, nurses and intake coordinators are here to offer education in your native language while being sensitive to your specific needs.

Help for international patients

The Center for International Patients helps coordinate care and accommodations for patients traveling from other countries. Our travel and concierge services can also help you if you live outside the Chicago area and are traveling to UChicago Medicine for evaluation or treatment.

Bloodless transplant program

Our transplant team includes experts who can provide transplants that does not use blood transfusions. This may be an option if you do not want to receive blood or blood products because of religious beliefs. Read about one of Illinois' first bloodless double-lung transplants, which helped a grandmother honor her faith and regain her life. Learn more about our bloodless lung transplant program.