2ndwind.org - Second Wind Lung Transplant Association.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Where can I find the closest lung transplant center?
How do I choose a transplant center?
What is Scoop Transtracheal Oxygen Therapy?
What are Arterial Blood Gases?
What is a port-a-catheter?
What is pulmonary function testing (PFT)?

Where can I find the closest lung transplant center?

Second Wind maintains a directory of all of the lung transplant centers in the United States with some statistical information. These centers are listed by state for your convenience. International centers will added as soon as possible. Would like to visit the transplant center section?

How do I choose a transplant center?

In order to make an informed decision when choosing a transplant center, Second Wind has several items that you may want to consider. Visit the Considerations When Choosing a Transplant Center page.

What is Scoop Transtracheal Oxygen Therapy?

What is a transtracheal oxygen therapy? What is a transtracheal catheter? What are the benefits and risks? There are many misconceptions about transtracheal oxygen therapy, probably because the word transtracheal sounds a bit like tracheotomy. The two procedures are as different as night and day. The tracheotomy is normally an emergency procedure, whereas transtracheal oxygen therapy is a scheduled procedure. Transtracheal oxygen therapy is a superior method of delivering oxygen directly into the lungs by a small, flexible catheter which passes from the lower neck into the trachea or windpipe. Most patients can have the small catheter installed in 15 to 20 minutes with only local anesthesia and without being hospitalized. The procedure is safe, causes little discomfort, and for many individuals is more effective in getting oxygen into the blood than nasal prongs. More oxygen in the blood means more activity, more energy and better health for most patients. The best thing about transtracheal oxygen therapy is that it is completely reversible. The Transtracheal Program extends over a period of about eight weeks. In the course of this program, four phases are passed through. For more information, try this website.

What are Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)?

An arterial blood gas (ABG) is performed on a patient to determine the amounts or Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide dissolved in the blood. It also is used to determine the Acid/Base status of the blood. For a complete description of this procedure, follow this link to the About Asthma web site.

What is a port-a-catheter?

Patients receiving chemotherapy typically need to have intravenous medications which therefore require that an IV be put in their hand or arm. The problem with this is that some people do not have good veins for the placement of IVs, and those that do often will run out of them after a few weeks of repeatedly sticking them with needles. There is a way around this constant need for placing IVs in your hands and arms which replaces these small temporary catheters with one that is more permanent.

A port-a-catheter is an implantable catheter system that consists of a silastic catheter (a plastic tube) that goes into a major vein under the collar bone (the subclavian vein) rather than in a vein in your hand or arm. The catheter is attached to a small disc-like port

which is sealed at the top by a rubber disc (septum) that is located beneath the skin. The picture at the top shows a two lumen port so that two drugs can be given at the same time (his is usually not necessary and the vast majority of patients should have a single lumen port). The picture on the left shows a side view. The port is usually inserted in an outpatient minor procedure room under local anesthesia or in the operating room. Two small incisions are made, one immediately beneath the clavicle to gain access to the subclavian vein (where the catheter is inserted) and the other lower down on the chest wall to create the pocket beneath the skin into which the port is placed (see the port in the pocket in the picture). The port is secured in place by stitching it to the underlying muscles of the chest wall. In this position, the port can be accessed through the skin with a special needle so that blood can be drawn and chemotherapy can be given as shown. The catheter is inserted into the subclavian vein and threaded down to near the heart (this makes it less likely to clot and therefore it lasts longer).

What ports can be used for:
Giving medications
Administering blood or blood products
Giving IV fluids and IV nutrition
Obtaining blood samples

The port is flushed monthly to keep blood clots from forming in the catheter. The advantage of this type of central venous access device is that it is totally located under the skin. Once the incision heals, patients may shower or swim with the port in place. Having a well-functioning port in place makes it convenient for patients to receive their chemotherapy or draw blood (the veins of the arm are not torn-up with trying to start peripheral IV's). It also makes it easier for the nurses and physicians to give the chemotherapy when there is good venous access available. When the patient is finished taking chemotherapy, the port will be removed. For more information, try this website.

What is pulmonary function testing (PFT)?

To learn about pulmonary function testing, Use the following links:
National Lung Health Education Program (Spirometry)
Medline Plus (Pulmonary function tests)

DISCLAIMER:The information provided in this site is for educational purposes only, and it is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your own physician or healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.