How your lungs work
Most people have 2 lungs that are divided into 5 lobes. The right lung has 3 lobes, and the left lung has 2 lobes. Healthy lungs are pink, flexible, and soft. They are made of elastic tissue that lets them expand and contract as you breathe in and out.
Your body needs oxygen to survive. Your lungs take oxygen from the air and send it into your blood stream, which then takes the oxygen to your organs and tissues. The organs and tissues use the oxygen and make a waste product called carbon dioxide. Your blood carries the carbon dioxide back to your lungs where you breathe it out.
Who can get a lung transplant?
A lung transplant may be considered as a treatment option for people with certain types of lung disease. A lung transplant can be a single lung transplant (1 lung transplanted), a double lung transplant (2 lungs transplanted), or a combined
heart-lung transplant. The transplant team will talk with you about the type of lung transplant you need.
In Alberta, lungs that are transplanted come from deceased organ donors.
Lung transplants are limited by the number of donors available. There are not enough donors for everyone needing a transplant.
Is a lung transplant right for me?
A lung transplant is not suitable for everyone. It is also not a cure. With a transplant, you are exchanging sick organs for healthy ones, with the hope of living longer and having a better quality of life.
It is important to know that getting a transplant involves a lifetime commitment to medical treatment, like taking medicines every day, going to clinic appointments, and doing regular bloodwork, lung function and other tests.
A transplant is offered only when you have severe lung disease and all other treatment options have been tried. Your body must also be strong enough to tolerate the surgery and recovery.
Depending on your health history, you may not be eligible for a transplant.
To be eligible for a transplant, you must not have used nicotine for at least 6 months. This includes cigarettes, nicotine gum and patches, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products.
A social worker will review your substance use history with you and will make any necessary recommendations for your care.
