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The evaluation for a lung transplant is quite extensive. You will meet with one of the Lung Transplant team physicians to discuss your medical history. If the team feels that you would benefit from a lung transplant, you will be scheduled for the required tests and consultations.
The evaluation is generally completed over the course of two to three weeks by spending a day or two each week at Brigham and Women's Hospital. There are a significant number of blood tests to be completed, many of which can be completed in one day. We require urine, stool and sputum samples. You will undergo several tests to evaluate your current lung disease as well as the condition of your heart. We do require a chest x-ray, a chest CT scan, a ventilation/perfusion scan, and echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram and a radionuclide ventriculogram. Most patients require a cardiac catheterization to ensure that there are not blockages to blood flow to the heart and also measure the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This information is important in planning the surgical approach to the transplant. Additionally, we require arterial blood gases and pulmonary function tests. Please note that certain tests, such as arterial blood gases, pulmonary function testing and CT scanning need to be repeated if your time on the waiting list exceeds three months.
Every effort is made to schedule tests at convenient times. It is important that you not change test dates without consulting the Lung Transplant Patient Coordinator.
Comments to: KKee@partners.org
©2007, Division of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital. All rights reserved.
Division of Thoracic Surgery
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 732-6824