History of Lung Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Transplant Medicine
• Medical History

Background:

• The global history of lung transplantation began with early 20th-century experimental techniques.
• Key milestones include animal model studies and the first human attempt, followed by breakthroughs with cyclosporine and improved surgical methods.
• Over 51,000 lung transplants have been performed globally to date.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of lung transplantation.
• To detail the development and timeline of lung transplantation in Turkey.
• To highlight the current status and future expansion of lung transplant centers in Turkey.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of scientific literature and transplant registries.
• Chronological analysis of key developments in lung transplantation.
• Examination of the establishment and growth of lung transplant centers in Turkey.

Main Results:

• The first successful human lung transplant was performed by James Hardy, with major progress achieved by the Toronto Lung Transplant Group.
• Lung transplantation in Turkey experienced delays, with the first successful procedure in 2009 at Sureyyapasa Hospital.
• Currently, Turkey has four lung transplant centers, with additional private sector centers seeking licensure.

Conclusions:

• Lung transplantation has evolved significantly from experimental beginnings to a established clinical practice.
• Turkey's lung transplantation program, though delayed, is expanding with established centers and new applications.
• The growth of transplant centers indicates a developing capacity for advanced thoracic surgical procedures in Turkey.