Who is a candidate for lung volume reduction surgery?
Lung volume reduction surgery is a procedure used for some patients with severe emphysema, a common type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), disabling dyspnea (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing) and evidence of severe air trapping. Emphysema is an ongoing and progressive disease caused largely by cigarette smoking. The disease damages the lungs and makes breathing difficult. The effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery depends on the location or extent of the diseased tissue, as well as the patient’s exercise tolerance and ability to tolerate surgery. Lung volume reduction surgery may be an appropriate treatment for select patients who meet established criteria. The results of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) study, first published in 2003, identified four sub-groups of patients who had different risks and benefits from LVRS, specifically: Group 1: Mostly upper-lobe emphysema and low exercise capacity. These patients are more likely to live longe
