Physiological modeling of responses to upper versus lower lobe lung volume reduction in homogeneous emphysema.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

In clinical trials, homogeneous emphysema patients have responded well to upper lobe volume reduction but not lower lobe volume reduction.

Materials/methods

To understand the physiological basis for this observation, a computer model was developed to simulate the effects of upper and lower lobe lung volume reduction on RV/TLC and lung recoil in homogeneous emphysema.

Results

Patients with homogeneous emphysema received either upper or lower lobe volume reduction therapy based on findings of radionucleotide scintigraphy scanning. CT analysis of lobar volumes showed that patients undergoing upper (n = 18; -265 mL/site) and lower lobe treatment (LLT; n = 11; -217 mL/site) experienced similar reductions in lung volume. However, only upper lobe treatment (ULT) im

SUBMITTER: Valipour A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3461642 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature