Lung Transplant

Hope for those most in need

For more than 20 years, our lung transplant program has given new hope to people of all ages who struggle with life's most essential function. To date, UNC Health Care has performed more than 350 single- or double-lung transplants. We perform lung transplants for the entire spectrum of respiratory diseases, and we are known around the world for having one of the most successful cystic fibrosis transplant programs. Ours is one of only a few programs in the world conducting research in the field of ex-vivo lung perfusion.

Making an Outpatient Referral

To make an appointment for evaluation or to ask questions about a specific patient, call the lung transplant office at 984-974-9098. To refer by fax, dial 984-974-6822.

Lung Transplant Referral Fax Form

Making an Inpatient Referral

To make an inpatient referral, please call the Patient Logistics Center at 855-PLC-4UNC.

You may also contact lung transplant staff directly using the information below:

Kelly Watson
Phone: 984-974-7587
Fax: 984-974-6822

Cristy McCartney, Lung Transplant Admin Specialist
984-974-9098

Candidacy for Lung Transplant

At UNC, our goal is always to see potential lung transplant candidates as early as possible in the course of disease, before additional complications weaken the patient and reduce the chance of recovery from the surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Lung transplantation may be necessary for children and adults with end-stage pulmonary parenchymal or vascular disease and a life expectancy of less than 24 months. Patients with end-stage lung disease who don’t respond to medical therapies are the best candidates for lung transplantation if:

  • They are less than 65-years-old
  • They have no other serious non-pulmonary diseases or active infections (such as HIV or hepatitis)
  • They are strong enough to undertake the lengthy surgery and long recovery time

Most commonly, double-lung transplant patients have the following conditions:

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Bronchiectasis
  • COPD/Emphysema
  • Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Certain end-stage lung diseases