Survival rates after lung transplantation
For the period 2013 to 2023 (709 lung transplant patients), the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 90%, 82%, and 75%, respectively.
Comparable data for the same period are not yet available in the registry of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), but the international 5-year survival rate for the period 2010–2017 was 58%.
The current 3-year survival rate in Leuven (centre BLMTP) versus other lung transplant centres in Belgium and Eurotransplant is shown in the chart below.
Number of (heart-)lung transplants
The annual number of (heart-)lung transplants since 2013 is summarised in the table below. Over this period, an average of 65 (heart-)lung transplants were performed annually.
Since 2022, we have been successfully using a new lung preservation technology, storing lungs at 6-8 °C with the LungGuard (Paragonix). This new technique allows us to safely preserve lungs for longer periods.
Average waiting time for lung transplantation
The average waiting time has significantly decreased from 348 days in 2022 (range: 1–894 days) to 213 days (range: 1–896 days). There was no mortality on the waiting list.
Indications for lung transplantation
COPD/emphysema and ILD/lung fibrosis are the primary indications for lung transplantation. Within ILD, IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis are the main indications.
