Organ TransplantPulmonology

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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    Treatments we specialize in

    Our team

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

    Patient stories

    A cystic fibrosis patient who was out of options

    Bradley was so severely ill that no other hospital would approve him for the treatment that might save his life: a lung transplant. UCSF Health accepted the challenge.

    A milestone transplant for a dad with pulmonary fibrosis

    When scarring developed in Patrick's lungs, his health began failing fast. His surgery marked a turnaround for Patrick and a milestone for UCSF Health: lung transplant No. 1,000.

    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

    AlloSure Lung Assessment and Metagenomics Outcomes Study

    Diagnostic performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV) of AlloSure Lung to detect acute lung allograft dysfunction (ALAD).

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Belimumab in Adults With Interstitial Lung Disease Associ...

    Forced vital capacity is the total amount of air exhaled during the lung function test. Low FVC (mL) reflects more impaired lung function. Absolute Change from Baseline in FVC will be reported.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Prospective Multicenter Research on Donor and Recipient Management Strategies to Improve Lung T...

    To collect detailed clinical data, blood samples (including DNA), and PROs in 2,600 lung transplant candidates, donors, and recipients across the participating LTC centers to create a robust resource that will support a broad rang...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    10°C Vs 4°C Lung Preservation RCT

    PGD is graded on a scale of 0 to 3 based on ISHLT guidelines, where PGD Grade 3 indicates severe primary graft dysfunction.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Oral Ifetroban in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

    To demonstrate a reduction in lung function decline for ifetroban compared to placebo over 52 weeks.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    LAM-001 in Lung Transplant Recipients With Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome.

    Time to Progression Free Survival (PFS) Level 1, defined as the earliest of the following: 1. Absolute decrease in FEV1 from baseline of > 10% 2. Death from respiratory failure

    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

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024-2025 Honor Roll

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • Best in Northern California and No. 4 in the nation for pulmonology & lung surgery

    • "Elite" rating (highest) among designated programs of excellence

    • 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

    (415) 502-4243
    Thursdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program

    Berkeley Outpatient Center

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

    (415) 353-2577
    M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Do you need pediatric care?

    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
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