Hospital to launch Iowa’s only program for lung transplants

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will become the only hospital in Iowa to perform lung transplant procedures following approval from the United Network for Organ Sharing, the national governing body for organ transplantation.

“There's a health care need for more lung specialists and capability of taking care of patients with lung failure in this state,” said Donna Katen-Bahensky, director and CEO.

Mark Iannettoni, M.D., head of cardiothoracic surgery, said he expects the hospital to perform 10 to 20 lung transplants a year beginning this summer.

Paul Sodders, public affairs manager for the North Liberty-based Iowa Donor Network, said the program will benefit patients who must travel elsewhere for treatment. About 20 lungs-for-transplant leave Iowa each year as donations because there is no program here, he said.

The hospital has three staff surgeons who are specially trained to perform lung transplants and is recruiting a new pulmonologist.

Starting a lung transplant program was a high priority in the hospital's strategic plan, and the intention is to establish a “full-blown lung failure center” with surgical and nonsurgical treatment for patients with severe lung disease, Katen-Bahensky said.