Lung volume reduction surgery on extracorporeal life support

Abstract

Lung volume reduction surgery improves exercise tolerance, lung function, and quality of life for selected patients with emphysema. Lung volume reduction surgery is well established for patients in a highly elective setting. It is, however, contraindicated in cases of acute cardiorespiratory failure. We present the case of a patient with severe emphysema who had acute respiratory failure and decompensated cor pulmonale requiring life-saving venovenoarterial extracorporeal life support after admission to the emergency unit. He underwent lung volume reduction surgery with intent to wean from extracorporeal life support. He had complete functional recovery after 4 months.