By: Jim Ritter, Health Reporter

November 16, 2005, Chicago Sun-Times

For the past few years, Loyola University Medical Center has enjoyed bragging rights as the Chicago area's only lung transplant center.

But now lung transplant chief Dr. Edward Garrity is moving to the University of Chicago Hospitals and taking much of his team with him.

Garrity is taking at least two other doctors, along with several nurses, transplant coordinators and clerical staffers. Garrity plans to do at least 20 lung transplants a year at the U. of C., beginning as early as February.

The U. of C. "has a great reputation for research and education and offers us an opportunity to take our lung transplant program to another level," Garrity said.

Asked if he had experienced any frustrations at Loyola, Garrity answered, "I'm not going to get into that. I don't wish to create any controversy."

Loyola, which has done nearly 500 lung transplants since 1988, will continue the program and is recruiting replacements, said its new lung transplant chief, Dr. Charles Alex.

'A win-win'

Loyola should have little difficulty rebuilding its program, said health industry expert David Dranove of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Having two programs "will be a win-win for the whole region," he said.

It's certainly a win for the U. of C. A lung transplant program is prestigious and "generates a lot of revenue," Dranove said.

Insurance plans generally pay $80,000 to $100,000 for a transplant and the first year of care, Garrity said.

Loyola did 34 lung transplants last year and has done 37 this year. "I don't see our numbers dropping," Alex said.

Lungs are among the most difficult organs to transplant. The operation is complex and, afterward, patients who take anti-rejection drugs are susceptible to infections from germs in the airways and bloodstream.

About 75 percent of Loyola's lung transplant patients survive the first year, and about 60 percent live at least five years, Alex said, adding that this is similar to national averages.

Other doctors coming to the U. of C. include transplant surgeon Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran and critical care specialist Dr. Sangeeta Bhorade.

Despite the loss, Loyola's program "is very much alive and thriving," Alex said. "They found a few stars, but overlooked the franchise players."