Lung Transplantation Program

Pulmonary transplantation has become a viable treatment option for patients with end-stage pulmonary disease. The USC Lung Transplant Program is composed of experts in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, pulmonary medicine, immunology, critical care medicine, cystic fibrosis, perfusion medicine, immunosuppression pharmacology, occupational and physical rehabilitation, and social/psychological services. Patients eligible for lung transplantation include those severely debilitated by cardiopulmonary disease and not hampered by other organ system dysfunction. Candidates frequently have the diagnosis of obstructive lung disease (e.g., emphysema, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis), pulmonary hypertension (both primary and secondary) or pulmonary fibrosis (e.g., sarcoidosis, IPF). Living related lobar lung transplantation in adults was pioneered at USC and provides an alternative therapy for severely ill patients who are unlikely to survive the waiting period that is often required for cadaveric organs. Dr. Sivagini Ganesh is Medical Director of Lung Transplantation.