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Lung Transplant Program

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(415) 353-4145

The UCSF Lung Transplant Program provides comprehensive care for patients before and after lung transplantation. Since our founding in 1991, we have given more than 1,000 patients with advanced lung disease the chance at a longer, more active life. We perform more than 70 transplants each year.

Our program has established a reputation for accepting challenging, complex cases. Despite this, the survival rate for adults who receive a lung transplant at UCSF consistently exceeds the national average, according to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). Outcomes data is available from SRTR and from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

We are known for our extensive experience in using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to stabilize patients for long periods while they await transplant. We also use the latest technologies, including the Paragonix LUNGguard transport system and TransMedics Organ Care System, to safeguard organs during long-distance conveyance and to rehabilitate organs outside the body. This allows us to accept organ donations from an expanded pool of eligible donors.

We conduct additional outreach to candidates for lung transplant through our satellite clinics in Sacramento, Portland and Honolulu.

Each patient's team includes a transplant pulmonologist and a transplant surgeon, who together help assess the risks and benefits of surgery, make recommendations and follow the patient through the process. Other team members include the transplant nurse coordinator, transplant social worker, nutritionist, psychologist, pharmacist and physical therapist. We are committed to providing the best care possible and supporting our patients from initial evaluation through surgery and beyond.

Doctor referral required

COVID-19 and transplant patients

UCSF requires patients awaiting lung transplants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, we recommend that patients awaiting any organ transplant follow the guidelines for immunocompromised patients from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Our locations

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    Our team

    View providers by category
    • View all (30)
    • Surgeons (3)
    • Pulmonologists (12)
    • Nurse practitioners (6)
    • Pharmacists (2)
    • Nurses and social workers (7)

    Catching his breath

    Bradley Dell's survival depended on getting a double lung transplant. When no other hospital was willing to take his complicated case, UCSF Health stepped in and gave Dell hope and a new life.

    Our thousandth lung transplant recipient

    Patrick Alexander, UCSF's thousandth recipient of healthy transplanted lungs, was a 60-year-old father of three when his symptoms began. Within a year, he learned he had a rare and deadly lung disease.

    Visit our patient education page

    Explore articles and videos on preparing for and recovering from lung transplant surgery. We also offer support groups for patients and caregivers.

    Learn more 

    Decorative Caduceus

    OCS™ Lung TOP Registry For Donor Lungs for Transplantation

    Primary Effectiveness Endpoint

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Study of Efficacy and Safety of Inhaled Treprostinil in Subjects With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibr...

    The FVC measurement indicates the amount of air a person can forcefully and quickly exhale after taking a deep breath.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Efficacy + Safety of Liposome Cyclosporine A to Treat Bronchiolitis Obliterans Post Single Lung...

    Recruiting

    Awards & recognition

    • usnews-neurology

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • usnews-pulmonology

      Best in Northern California for pulmonology & lung surgery

    • Top-performing lung transplant program

    • n1-2x

      in the U.S. for patient survival rates three years after lung transplant

    Support services

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Patient Resource

    Kôz Hospitality House

    Kôz Hospitality House provides comfortable, reasonably priced accommodations near our Parnassus campus for UCSF patients during their treatment.

    Support Group

    Organ Transplant Support Groups

    Our heart, lung and liver transplant groups offer peer-based support for pre- and post -transplant patients, LVAD patients, families and caregivers.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Please send in advance CT scans, chest X-rays, all test results and other images. To ensure a comprehensive first visit, please bring these medical records to your appointment as well.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

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    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

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    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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    Related clinics

    Heart Transplant Program

    400 Parnassus Ave., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program

    400 Parnassus Ave., Sixth Floor, Room A6114
    San Francisco, CA 94143

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