Lung Transplant
Miami Transplant Institute (MTI) is the first center in the United States to use the FDA-approved X Port Lung Preservation System, which extends donated lung viability and improves access for patients needing a transplant. This innovative technology shortens wait times and gives MTI patients access to organs from farther distances.
ECMO: A Bridge to Transplant
For patients with advanced lung failure, time is often the greatest challenge. Many arrive unable to breathe well enough on their own. In these moments, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be lifesaving.
ECMO is an advanced form of life support that temporarily takes over the work of the lungs. It removes carbon dioxide from the blood and delivers oxygen directly back into the body, allowing the lungs to rest and recover.
Description
Miami Transplant Institute (MTI) is the first center in the United States to use the FDA-approved X Port Lung Preservation System, which extends donated lung viability and improves access for patients needing a transplant. This innovative technology shortens wait times and gives MTI patients access to organs from farther distances.
ECMO: A Bridge to Transplant
For patients with advanced lung failure, time is often the greatest challenge. Many arrive unable to breathe well enough on their own. In these moments, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be lifesaving.
ECMO is an advanced form of life support that temporarily takes over the work of the lungs. It removes carbon dioxide from the blood and delivers oxygen directly back into the body, allowing the lungs to rest and recover.
ECMO stabilizes patients and gives them time to wait safely for a suitable donor lung. Without it, many of these individuals would never reach transplant.
At MTI, ECMO is used as a bridge to transplant, not just to sustain life, but to preserve it. Whenever possible, patients remain awake, engaged, and connected with their families so they’re stronger and better prepared when the right organ becomes available.
For patients who were told there were no remaining options, ECMO can open the door to transplantation and a path forward.
Specialized ICU for Advanced Lung Failure
Miami Transplant Institute offers a dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) designed exclusively for patients with advanced lung failure. This highly specialized environment supports individuals whose lungs can no longer function on their own and may be candidates for transplant.
Care includes advanced ventilator support, ECMO, and early physical therapy to help patients maintain strength and prepare for transplant.
A comprehensive care team including critical care specialists, pulmonologists, surgeons, nurses, and respiratory therapists, work together around the clock. By combining intensive care and transplant expertise in one unit, we’re able to treat patients often considered too high-risk elsewhere.
10°C Organ Preservation
Miami Transplant Institute is among the first programs in the U.S. to use FDA-approved 10°C organ preservation technology for lung transplantation. By slowing the lung’s metabolism, this approach extends preservation time beyond traditional limits.
More time means better matching, safer transport over longer distances, and thoughtful decision-making without pressure from the clock. When combined with ex vivo lung perfusion, this technology expands the donor pool and improves how organs are evaluated and protected before transplant.
For patients, it means more available lungs, greater safety, and a better chance of receiving the right organ at the right time.
Extended Transplant Criteria
Miami Transplant Institute is one of the few programs nationwide that routinely offers lung transplantation to patients age 70 and older. Rather than relying on age alone, we evaluate the whole person’s overall health, strength, and ability to recover.
Through our extended transplant criteria, we responsibly expand access to transplantation for older adults who may have been turned away elsewhere. This individualized approach has led to strong outcomes, expanding treatment possibilities and long-term potential.
Transplant Oncology
Miami Transplant Institute is advancing the field of transplant oncology for patients with a history of lung cancer. Conditions once considered a barrier to transplantation are now being reevaluated as therapies and outcomes continue to improve.
For certain patients with end-stage lung disease who’ve completed successful cancer treatment, transplantation may be an option. Each case is reviewed through a rigorous, multidisciplinary process to ensure safety and long-term success.
Description
Specialized ICU for Advanced Lung Failure
Miami Transplant Institute offers a dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) designed exclusively for patients with advanced lung failure. This highly specialized environment supports individuals whose lungs can no longer function on their own and may be candidates for transplant.
Care includes advanced ventilator support, ECMO, and early physical therapy to help patients maintain strength and prepare for transplant.
A comprehensive care team including critical care specialists, pulmonologists, surgeons, nurses, and respiratory therapists, work together around the clock. By combining intensive care and transplant expertise in one unit, we’re able to treat patients often considered too high-risk elsewhere.
10°C Organ Preservation
Miami Transplant Institute is among the first programs in the U.S. to use FDA-approved 10°C organ preservation technology for lung transplantation. By slowing the lung’s metabolism, this approach extends preservation time beyond traditional limits.
More time means better matching, safer transport over longer distances, and thoughtful decision-making without pressure from the clock. When combined with ex vivo lung perfusion, this technology expands the donor pool and improves how organs are evaluated and protected before transplant.
For patients, it means more available lungs, greater safety, and a better chance of receiving the right organ at the right time.
Extended Transplant Criteria
Miami Transplant Institute is one of the few programs nationwide that routinely offers lung transplantation to patients age 70 and older. Rather than relying on age alone, we evaluate the whole person’s overall health, strength, and ability to recover.
Through our extended transplant criteria, we responsibly expand access to transplantation for older adults who may have been turned away elsewhere. This individualized approach has led to strong outcomes, expanding treatment possibilities and long-term potential.
Transplant Oncology
Miami Transplant Institute is advancing the field of transplant oncology for patients with a history of lung cancer. Conditions once considered a barrier to transplantation are now being reevaluated as therapies and outcomes continue to improve.
For certain patients with end-stage lung disease who’ve completed successful cancer treatment, transplantation may be an option. Each case is reviewed through a rigorous, multidisciplinary process to ensure safety and long-term success.
Physician Referrals
Miami Transplant Institute is a national referral center for patients with advanced and complex lung disease, including those considered too high-risk for care at other hospitals.
We work in close partnership with referring physicians to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. Whether transplantation is needed now or may be considered in the future, early referral expands treatment options. Our team is available for consultation, second opinions, and collaborative care planning.
Description
Lung
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*Source OPTN.org 2025