Lung Transplant Program

The Texas Children's Lung Transplant Program ranks among the largest pediatric transplant programs globally and leads in performing pediatric lung transplants nationwide, leveraging our 20-year program history. Over the past 5 years, we have executed more than a quarter of all pediatric lung transplants in the United States, solidifying our position as a leader in the field.

The multidisciplinary approach at Texas Children's has facilitated lung transplants for children from diverse regions of the world. Our expert team of physicians conducts thorough screening of every donor, resulting in a shorter median wait time compared to the majority of other pediatric lung transplant programs nationwide. Additionally, we take pride in consistently achieving higher-than-expected survival outcomes.

We have access to helpful resources and support every step of the way, so you and your family are set up for success before, during, and after transplant.

Program Highlights

• Largest pediatric lung transplant program in the country
• Supports a pediatric population from infancy through young adulthood
• 20 years of extensive experience in pediatric lung transplantation
• Dedicated specialty teams collaborate to ensure comprehensive care
• ECMO

Multidisciplinary Team of Experts

Our nationally ranked specialist team has the experience and expertise to handle the most complex and rare cases. Skilled cardiothoracic surgeons, trained specifically in lung transplants, offer detailed surgical consultation. Your dedicated team will include pulmonologists, nurse coordinators, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers, child life specialists, psychologist, physical and occupational therapists. Each of these disciplines provides comprehensive education in their area of expertise to facilitate a successful transplant.

Our comprehensive transplant program also includes teams for kidney, liver and heart transplants. Therefore, should a multi-organ transplant becomes necessary, teams are available to provide the highest level of care.

A Bridge to Transplant 

Texas Children’s is a globally recognized leader in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) care. ECMO provides life-prolonging care to critically ill patients until a suitable lung donor becomes available. Our extensive experience in ECMO as a bridge to transplant allows us to offer a lifeline to the most critical patients who might otherwise be ineligible for transplantation.Suitable candidates for the ECMO Bridge may include current patients at Texas Children's Hospital or individuals being considered for transfer from other medical centers.