Minimally invasive lung volume reduction

Minimally invasive techniques for reducing the lung volume in advanced emphysema, including COPD, to improve pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life, and survival.

Minimally invasive techniques are designed to achieve lung volume reduction without open chest surgery (without a (without a thoracotomy).

Minimally invasive devices and techniques for reducing the lung volume include one-way bronchial valves inserted via fiberoptic bronchoscopy to promote atelectasis (collapse) in the emphysematous lung, promotion of focal (local) atelectasis and fibrosis by bronchoscopic injection of polymers into the emphysematous regions of a lung, bronchopulmonary fenestrations (windows) to enhance expiratory flow, and thoracoscopic plication (folding) or compression of emphysematous lung.

The goal of all of these procedures is to replicate the benefit of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) without the trauma, risks, and extended recovery of open chest surgery.

See also: Lung reduction surgery.