Lung transplantation can dramatically improve quality of life for patients with severe end-stage, non-malignant pulmonary disease and no alternative treatment options.

The NewYork-Presbyterian Transplant Institute is the major center for lung transplantation in the New York tri-state area. The outstanding lung transplantation program is one of the oldest in the United States; it began in 1985, just three years after the first lung transplant was ever performed. Over the years, the program has earned a reputation for the depth of its clinical expertise and its rigorous commitment to excellence.

Under the dynamic and collaborative leadership of its new surgical and medical directors, who both are recognized as outstanding specialists in their respective fields, this highly reputable clinical and research program is being further enhanced and expanded. For example, during the most recent 12-month period, the survival rate for lung transplants was over 90 percent Ü far exceeding the national average. In 2001 and 2002, 19 and 22 lung transplants, respectively, were performed at the Transplant Institute. By the end of 2003, that number is expected to increase to 25.


Survival Rate

Since the arrival of the new lung transplant team at the NewYork-Presbyterian Transplant Institute, the survival rate for lung transplant patients has increased significantly. From July 1, 2001, to November 30, 2002, the survival rate for the 33 lung transplants performed during that period is 92 percent, which exceeds the national average.