Expert care for advanced lung disease

Our Dallas lung transplant team includes world-renowned experts in thoracic surgery and pulmonary medicine. The attentive physicians on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center bring a wealth of knowledge and depth of experience to the care of patients. We pride ourselves on close and ongoing communication with referring physicians, and we are dedicated to meticulous follow-up.

In addition, Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas is home to one of the busiest adult extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in North Texas and the region's only ECMO deployment program. Baylor University Medical Center is ranked as one of America's top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

We are actively involved in research to improve outcomes after lung transplantation.

Watch an overview of our lung transplant program

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Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease

The Center for Advanced Heart and Lung Disease provides diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of individuals with chronic lung disease, connective tissue disease, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis. We perform advanced diagnostic procedures and highly specialized evaluations for the proper identification and treatment of complex lung disorders. The treatment team including physicians who specialize in advanced lung disease consults together with other medical, surgical and pulmonary rehabilitation specialists to devise a treatment plan that gives hope for our patients to receive the best possible outcome and improved quality of life.

Among the advanced treatments and clinical research provided are:

  • Clinical trials in the treatment of usual interstitial pneumonia (pulmonary fibrosis)
  • Minimally invasive lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for emphysema
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe respiratory failure and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Learn more about the center

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Several factors determine candidacy for lung transplant in Dallas

Our transplant team evaluates patients on a case-by-case basis

The patient's physiologic, or functional, age and overall health determine candidacy. We perform lung transplants on a diverse patient population from a wide geographic area.

We are committed to doing what is best for the patient, taking survival after transplant into consideration. Advanced age (over 65 years old) is a risk for shorter survival after lung transplantation—primarily due to other illnesses. However, we have transplanted patients from age 16 to age 75.

We also perform lung transplants on severely ill patients, including those requiring life support. 

Lung transplant may be the best course of treatment for the following conditions:

  • Emphysema/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
  • Pulmonary fibrosis/Interstitial lung disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Bronchiolitis
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Occupational lung disease
  • Congenital heart disease with pulmonary hypertension (heart-lung transplant)

A leading force in lung disease treatment and outcomes

The Lung Transplant Program at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health provides advanced treatment and personalized, quality care for patients with end-stage lung disease.

Experienced lung transplant specialists

We performed our first lung transplant in Texas in 1990 and have continued to grow our lung disease treatment expertise and experience.

Our experienced Dallas lung transplant team includes:

  • Coordinators
  • Nurses
  • Social workers
  • Nutritionists
  • Physical therapists
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Transplant pulmonologist
  • Thoracic surgeons
  • Cardiac anesthesiologists on the medical staff
Find a specialist

Lung transplant leadership

Michael Duncan, MD
Chief of Pulmonary Medicine

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Todd Grazia, MD
Chief of Transplant Pulmonology

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Gary Schwartz, MD
Chief of Lung Transplantation and Thoracic Surgery

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Lorenzo’s lung transplant success story

Once Lorenzo was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the simple act of breathing became more and more difficult. But Baylor Scott & White Health acted quickly helping Lorenzo throughout the entire journey from finding a donor to undergoing surgery to making a full recovery.

Today, Lorenzo cherishes every breath he takes.

Watch Lorenzo's lung transplant story

Lung Transplant program patient feature - Lorenzo
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Baylor Scott & White transplant programs

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Frequently asked questions about lung transplant

Patient education resources

There are a variety of support and educational resources offered through Baylor Scott & White Health and outside organizations, which can help patients and their families better understand and cope with lung disease and the transplantation process.

Resources for researchers

Baylor Scott & White Research Institute (BSWRI) brings together the critical infrastructure and operational resources needed to safely, and effectively, conduct innovative patient-centered research across the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas.

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Contact us

Cardiothoracic transplants: 214.820.6856