Written by Lee Farmer
VCU Health has received approval from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to begin lung transplants at the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. Including VCU Health, there are only three transplant centers in Virginia that can perform lung transplants.
“This will be of great benefit to the hundreds of patients living with advanced lung disease in eastern and central Virginia,” said VCU Health System Authority interim chief executive officer and VCU Health Sciences interim senior vice president. said Marlon Levy, MD, President. “This removes the long-distance travel barrier for patients awaiting transplants and completes the continuum of care that VCU Health can provide to those patients.”
Patients waiting for a transplant often receive little notice once an organ becomes available. Sometimes that means traveling long distances quickly, and sometimes it means being away from home for long periods of time. Having a center close to home reduces the burden on both patients and caregivers.
VCU Health Hume Lee Transplant Center is one of the longest-running and busiest transplant centers in the nation, performing 37 percent of all transplants in Virginia.
“We are excited to expand our services to include lung transplants,” said Dr. David Bruno, director of the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. “This milestone continues our commitment to say 'yes' to more patients in need, ultimately saving more lives and giving new hope to those battling advanced lung disease.” It reflects our unwavering commitment.”
Providing lung transplants helps meet a growing need in our communities and nation.
“Lung disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in Virginia and across the United States. VCU Health is poised to meet this growing need by expanding our respiratory services,” said Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program. said Dr. Vipul Patel. “Transplants can extend a person's lifespan.”
Over 1 million According to the American Lung Association, many adults in Virginia live with chronic lung disease. Almost half of those people are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is caused by smoking and air pollution.
Nationally, there are more 930 people waiting For lung transplantation. Although the numbers change daily, Approximately 30 Virginians People waiting for a lung or double lung and heart transplant.
