Lung Transplant Center

When you arrive at the Lung Institute at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, our skilled physicians and medical team will evaluate your symptoms to determine the best course of action. Depending on the type and severity of lung damage, doctors may choose to treat the condition with medication or through surgical intervention. If both lungs are affected or if medical treatment is no longer effective, a lung transplant may be necessary.

Among the conditions that can lead to end-stage lung disease and, in turn, the need for a lung transplant are:

• Bronchiectasis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema
• Cystic fibrosis
• Lung disease related to autoimmune conditions
• Primary pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary fibrosis

Not all patients with lung disease will benefit from a transplant, so it is important to undergo further testing to make a determination. This evaluation will include meetings with the transplant surgeon, pulmonologist, nutritionist, social worker, financial counselor, nurse coordinator and pharmacist. Eligibility requires that:

• Transplantation be a proven treatment for your lung disease
• Your lung disease has been optimally managed but you are no longer responding to treatment and/or no other effective therapy is available
• You are able to undergo surgery and follow-up medical care
• You have not used tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs for a minimum of six months
• You have a good support network to help care for you before and after your transplant
• You have adequate insurance coverage and benefits to cover the costs associated with the surgery and the corresponding lifetime medication needs

To learn more about the Lung Transplant Center, call (602) 521-3400.  

• Ramachandra R. Sista, MD - Program Director

It is stressful to hear that you may need an organ transplant and to fully grasp what this means. Our dedicated transplant team is here to help. We provide comprehensive and individualized approaches to patient and family education. These teams are always available to support our patients and their families through the entire process and are only a phone call away to answer questions.

Living with a chronic illness often includes giving up some aspects of normal life and adjustment can be difficult. That’s why we offer the Transplant Living support group at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. Along with providing support from a transplant social worker and other attendees, the group presents information from pharmacists, nutritionists, financial advisors and others.

Patients and their families can learn more from the following trusted health resources:

• United Network for Organ Sharing
• Donor Network of Arizona
• Transplant Living
• Donate Life
• Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients
• Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
• American Thoracic Society

Fundraising Assistance:

• HelpHOPELive 
• National Foundation for Transplant 

The University of Arizona, in coordination with Banner – University Medicine, conducts a variety of research studies and clinical trials to support a commitment to improving patient care. As a patient at Banner – University Medical Center, you may be eligible to participate, meaning you’ll have access to new treatments which may not yet be available to the public.

• Pulmonary Critical Care Residency Program
• Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship

Our goal is to help you reach a healthier quality of life. For this reason, we have a strong focus on patient education and support.  We provide all our patients and their families with information and education materials needed to attain the healthy outcomes the Lung Transplant Center is known for achieving.