The flexible bronchoscopic approach to lung volume reduction.

Abstract

Surgical lung volume reduction is effective in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because it improves the ratio between residual lung volume and total lung volume. The same effect may be achieved by inducing an iatrogenic atelectasis in one or more lung lobes using a flexible bronchoscopic approach. This article discusses the origin and the progress, up to date, of this new minimally invasive flexible bronchoscopic approach.

• Authors: T P Toma
• Journal: Pneumologia (Bucharest, Romania) (Pneumologia) 2001 Apr-Jun Vol. 50 Issue 2 Pg. 97-100 ISSN: 2067-2993 [Print] Romania
• PMID: 11584681 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Topics

• Bronchoscopes
• Bronchoscopy (adverse effects, methods)
• Humans
• Lung Diseases, Obstructive (surgery)
• Pneumonectomy (methods)