Advanced Lung Disease & Transplant Center

#37 Transplant Center in the Nation

The Advanced Lung Disease & Transplant Center performs both single and double lung transplants and specializes in personalized, end-to-end treatment options for adult patients who have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and other complex lung conditions. The TGH Transplant Institute is ranked #5 in the nation by volume and we are one of the most active lung transplant centers in the Southeast. Patient success after surgery exceeds national averages, and our specialty program in recognized by U.S. News & World Report as Top 10% in the Nation for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. Additionally, TGH is #1 in Tampa and West Central Florida.

Tampa General Hospital performed its first lung transplant in 2002. Since the program’s inception, our multidisciplinary team of experts has performed more than 880 lung transplants. The Advanced Lung Disease & Transplant Center continues to advance research in the field, from being the first to use a living related donor for lung transplantation to exploring new methods for preserving the lung prior to transplantation and developing advanced techniques for detecting and treating rejection.

Medical Leadership

Gundars Katlaps, MD

Surgical Director, Advanced Lung Disease & Transplant Center

TGH Transplant Institute

What is a Lung Transplant?

A lung transplant is a surgical procedure in which one or both diseased lungs are replaced with healthy donor lungs. It is considered when advanced lung disease continues to worsen despite all available medical treatments.

Some patients require a single‑lung transplant, while others need a double‑lung transplant. The type of transplant recommended depends on several factors, including:

The type and severity of lung disease
Prior chest surgeries
Presence of pulmonary hypertension
Active or chronic infections
Blood flow to each lung

Our lung transplant team carefully reviews all testing to determine the safest and most appropriate option for each patient. Many patients experience a significant improvement in breathing, energy, and quality of life after transplantation.

Conditions We Treat

lung transplant may be an option for patients with end‑stage lung disease, when the lungs can no longer provide enough oxygen or remove carbon dioxide from the body.

Conditions treated by our Lung Transplant Program include:

Pulmonary fibrosis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cystic fibrosis
Pulmonary hypertension
Sarcoidosis
Interstitial lung diseases (ILD), including:
- Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP)
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiolitis
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

Each condition is evaluated individually, and transplant candidacy is based on disease severity, overall health, and the ability to meet post‑transplant requirements.ccordion 2 Copy: [No text in field]

Benefits and Risks of Lung Transplantation

AccOur team will review the risks, benefits, and alternatives to lung transplantation so you can make an informed decision.

Potential benefits may include:

Improved breathing and reduced shortness of breath
Reduced or eliminated need for oxygen therapy
Increased ability to exercise and stay active
Improved overall quality of life
Extended survival for many patients with end‑stage lung disease

Important considerations: A lung transplant is a major surgery and requires lifelong care. After transplant, patients must take anti‑rejection medications every day to protect the new lungs. These medications:

May cause side effects
Increase the risk of infections
May increase the risk of certain cancers, such as skin cancer or lymphoma

Ongoing follow‑up and close monitoring by the transplant team are essential for long‑term success.ordion 3 Copy: [No text in field]

Responsibilities of the Transplant Recipient

Successful lung transplantation requires a lifelong commitment and close partnership with the transplant team.

Patients must be willing to:

Learn about the risks and benefits of lung transplantation
Work closely with a multidisciplinary transplant team
Take all medications exactly as prescribed, for life
Attend all scheduled follow‑up appointments and testing
Participate in required pulmonary rehabilitation
Make long‑term lifestyle and dietary changes
Maintain open communication with the transplant team
Have a reliable caregiver plan in place

Lung transplantation is not a one‑time event—it is a lifelong journey.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

The importance of a Caregivers Role

Caregivers play a critical role in ensuring a safe and successful lung transplant.

Each transplant recipient must identify at least two dedicated caregivers who can share responsibilities before and after transplant.

Before transplant, caregivers must:

Attend pre‑transplant appointments and evaluations
Learn about the transplant process and expectations
Transport the patient to the hospital when an organ becomes available
Remain at the hospital during surgery to receive updates

After transplant, caregivers must:

Provide daily support for 3–6 months
Attend education sessions and medical rounds
Assist with medications and care plans
Provide transportation to all appointments and pulmonary rehabilitation

After hospital discharge:

Patients and caregivers must stay in local housing within one hour of Tampa General Hospital for 3–6 months
Patients may not drive for at least 3 months
Caregivers are responsible for all transportation
Temporary transplant housing may be available but is not guaranteed

Caregivers also provide emotional support and help maintain close communication with the transplant team.

Am I a Candidate for Lung Transplant?

Patients with advanced lung disease may be considered for lung transplantation if they understand and can meet all medical, personal, and social requirements.

Certain conditions may make lung transplantation unsafe or not possible, including:

Active nicotine use (must be nicotine‑free for at least 6 months)
Recent cancer diagnosis (within the past 5 years, excluding some skin cancers)
Severe physical debilitation or inability to walk 1,000 feet during a 6‑minute walk test
Lack of a reliable caregiver plan
Body mass index (BMI) outside eligibility criteria (18–32)
Active infections, including tuberculosis or hepatitis
Active alcohol or substance abuse
Untreated or poorly controlled mental health conditions
History of poor adherence to medical treatment
Lack of insurance or financial resources to support transplant and lifelong care

Each patient is evaluated individually, and eligibility decisions are made with patient safety as the top priority.