History of Lung Transplants

By dbuford83
  • Period: to

    Attempts at Lung Transplantation

    Multiple attempts at lung transplantation failed because of organ rejection and problems with anastomotic bronchial healing.

  • First "Successful" Human Transplant

    The patient’s breathing significantly improved immediately after the transplant, but died eighteen days after the transplant

  • First Successful Long Term Single Lung Transplant

    Dr. Joel Cooper, a thoracic surgeon, completed the first long term single lung transplant

  • First Successful Long Term Double Lung Transplant

    The first successful long term double lung transplant was also performed by Dr. Joel Cooper in 1986.

  • Increase in Transplant Success

    By 1987, there were over Forty-Five lung transplants successfully performed
  • Period: to

    Longevity: Late 1980s- Mid 1990s

    Most patients during this time lived for about 4 years after the transplant

  • By 1990: Over 400 Lung Transplants Performed Worldwide

  • Period: to

    Longevity: Early 2000s- Present Day

    Most lung transplant patients live for 3 years or more
    Median longevity: 5.5 years

  • Present Day: 2200 Successful Lung Transplants