Lung volume reduction surgery: A treatment option for severe emphysema

摘要

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant health problem in the United States. It's the fourth leading cause of death and affects more than 12 million people. Of the top 10 causes of death, it's the only condition that's increasing in prevalence and mortality.1 Emphysema, one of the two types of COPD, is a progressive disease that worsens over time, and is a major cause of disability in the United States (see Risk factors for COPD). Predominantly caused by smoking, emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which alveoli become damaged and trap air, leading to hyperinflation of the lung2 (see Chest X-ray showing pulmonary emphysema). Normal lung tissue consists of approximately 300 million alveoli. In emphysema, the alveoli become destroyed and lose their shape and elasticity forming fewer, larger air sacs. The reduction in the surface area for gas exchange creates problems with oxygenation (see Lung changes in emphysema). The diaphragm and chest will become abnormally positioned as they're pushed out by hyperinflated lungs.