Patients come from around the world to undergo lung volume reduction surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Since the procedure was pioneered here in 1993, more than 450 surgeries have been performed, making this one of the most active lung volume reduction surgery programs in the country—and one of the few programs certified as a center of excellence by the Joint Commission.
Lung volume reduction surgery is an innovative emphysema treatment that removes 20 to 30 percent of the lung tissue most damaged by emphysema. This allows the remaining, less diseased, portion of the lung more room to function, resulting in easier breathing. This is not a cure but, in selected patients, the procedure provides an alternative to a lung transplant. It also is appropriate for patients who are not eligible for lung transplantation. Patients must have severe emphysema and meet strict requirements to be considered a candidate for the surgery.
Treatment Approach
- Medical management of emphysema and its complications
- Evaluation for lung volume reduction surgery
- Psychosocial counseling
- Counseling and assistance with financial issues and employment opportunities
- Education of patients, families, medical personnel and lay persons