Lung transplantation for emphysema and α1-antitrypsin deficiency

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema, is the most common indication for lung transplantation in adults. ¹ Together, COPD and α₁-antitrypsin deficiency (α₁-ATD) account for 40% of all lung transplants performed worldwide. ¹ Although more than 14,000 lung transplants were performed through June 2012, questions regarding the appropriate timing of the procedure in the natural progression of emphysema, the type of procedure that should be used, and the quality of life afterward still exist. ^{1 , 2}