Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema: What the radiologist needs to know
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Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Acquiring Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Images of Lung Ventilation
Published on: November 21, 2023
1Department of Radiology, Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everard, Cambridge, UK. nicholas.screaton@papworth.nhs.uk
Abstract:
Imaging plays a pivotal role in the selection of patients for the surgical treatment of emphysema. In this article, the imaging features of emphysema are reviewed along with the surgical options for treatment. Particular emphasis is given to lung volume reduction surgery as this technique has gained wide acceptance within the thoracic surgical community in recent years. Radiologists need to have an understanding of which patients may be potentially suitable for this technique.
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