Penn Lung Transplant Program Celebrates Milestone
The lung transplantation program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest and most experienced programs in the country. Since its inception in 1991, the program has performed more than 500 procedures, establishing itself as the premiere lung transplant center in the region and one of the best in the world. Penn is also one of a few centers in the nation performing multi-organ transplantation such as lung/liver and heart/lung transplantation.
On Friday, November 2, 2007, Penn lung transplant patients, donors, families and health care providers gathered for “Milestones in Lung Transplantation” at the Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia to celebrate this achievement.
“Over the years, my life has been touched by the lung transplant patients and families I have come in contact with. I have witnessed the marvelous effect that hope has had upon patients and their families,” said Joel Cooper, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
In 1963 at the University of Mississippi, James Hardy, MD, who trained at the University of Pennsylvania, performed the world's first lung transplant. On November 7, 1983, Dr. Cooper performed the first lung transplant that resulted in long-term survival. As more centers began lung transplant programs, transplant teams gained experience, improved the procedure, and steadily improved outcomes.
Penn's outcomes have consistently equaled or exceeded national averages, which serves as a testament to the quality of the lung transplant program.
“Lung transplantation is not a technical exercise; it is a team effort involving many specialties and individuals. These include chest surgeons, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, coordinators, pathologists, organ procurement specialists, and many, many others,” said Dr. Cooper.
The lung transplant program at Penn brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists who provide coordinated care and communication throughout the transplant process. They strive to meet the unique physical and emotional needs of each patient in a caring and professional environment. While primarily committed to patient care, Penn lung transplant faculty members are also actively engaged in clinical and laboratory research designed to improve survival and quality of life for transplant recipients.
For more information about the Penn lung transplant program or to make an appointment with a Penn lung transplant specialist, visit Penn Transplant Center web site or call 800-789-PENN (7366).
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