Anastomosis
The place where two structures are joined, such as two bronchi or two blood vessels.
Bronchiectasis
A condition in which airways in the lung become enlarged and thickened, leading to areas of pooled secretions and recurrent infections.
Bronchoscopy
A procedure in which a thin, flexible fiberoptic instrument is passed through the airways (bronchi) in order to examine the area where the transplanted lung's airway is joined (anastomosis) and to obtain specimens to look for infection and /or rejection.
Bronchus (plural bronchi)
Airway or tube that carries air to the lung.
Cystic fibrosis
A genetic condition characterized by thickened secretions in the lungs, bronchiectasis (see above), and repeated pulmonary infections. Some patients have digestive problems, resulting in difficulty absorbing food.
Emphysema
A condition in which the substance of the lung is destroyed, resulting in large, less stiff, poorly functioning lungs.
Immunosuppression
Therapy used to regulate the body's immune response to prevent rejection of the lung transplant.
Oximetry
A painless test in which a sensor is placed on the finger or earlobe to measure the level of oxygen in the blood.
Pulmonary
Related to the lungs.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
A condition in which excessive scar tissue is deposited in the lungs, making them stiff and small and interfering with their function.
Pulmonary Hypertension
A condition in which the pressure of the blood vessels in the lung is elevated, leading to strain on the right side of the heart.
Rejection
The process by which the immune system attempts to eliminate the transplanted lung.
Spirometry
A test of lung function that is performed by breathing into a machine.
Transplant
An operation in which a diseased lung is removed from the patient (native lung) and is replaced with a lung from a donor (graft or transplanted lung).
