Lung volume reduction surgery in nonheterogeneous emphysema

Abstract

Patients with a homogeneous type of emphysema have been excluded a priori from LVRS in many centers because of the fear of removing parenchyma, which potentially contributes to gas exchange, and because the observation that heterogeneity of emphysema is a predictor of functional improvement. It is obvious that resection of functionless tissue, such as in heterogeneous emphysema with bullae, can be advised to the patient with a relative low risk. However, as the main positive effect of LVRS is its improvement on respiratory mechanics, Show more