Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
09:49
Measurement of the Pressure-volume Curve in Mouse Lungs
Published on: January 27, 2015
19.7K
Lung Volume Reduction in Emphysema Improves Chest Wall Asynchrony.
Zaid Zoumot1, Antonella LoMauro2, Andrea Aliverti2
1National Institute for Health Research Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit at the Royal Brompton and Harefield National Health Service Foundation Trust and Imperial College, London, England; Respiratory and Critical Care Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Chest
|February 6, 2015
Summary
Lung volume reduction (LVR) significantly improves chest wall synchrony in emphysema patients. This study shows LVR procedures reduce asynchronous chest wall movements, improving breathing mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Emphysema is characterized by asynchronous chest wall movement.
- Lung volume reduction (LVR) improves lung function but its effect on chest wall asynchrony is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of surgical and bronchoscopic LVR on chest wall asynchrony in emphysema patients.
Main Methods:
- Optoelectronic plethysmography was used to measure chest wall movement in six compartments.
- Phase shift angles (θRC and θDIA) quantified asynchrony before and 3 months after LVR or sham treatment.
- 26 patients were divided into LVR (surgical/bronchoscopic) and control groups.
Main Results:
- Baseline measurements showed significant chest wall asynchrony (θRC: 31.3°, θDIA: -38.7°).
- LVR groups demonstrated a significant shift towards synchrony (θRC: 44.3°, θDIA: 34.5°) compared to controls (P < .007).
- Improvements were noted on the treated sides of the chest wall.
Conclusions:
- Successful LVR effectively reduces chest wall asynchrony in emphysema patients.
- LVR offers a potential therapeutic benefit by improving respiratory mechanics.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
2
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
2
01:15Respiratory Volumes
3.6K
Respiratory volumes are crucial metrics, meticulously measured to quantify the air exchanged in and out of the lungs during various phases of the breathing cycle. These precise measurements are vital for assessing lung function, diagnosing respiratory conditions, and monitoring overall respiratory health. Each parameter provides specific insights into the mechanics of breathing and the functional capacity of the lungs.
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
3.6K
01:10Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
2
Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through...
2
01:24Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
8.8K
Breathing, otherwise known as pulmonary ventilation, is the process of air movement into and out of the lungs. The main mechanisms propelling pulmonary ventilation are atmospheric pressure (Patm), intra-pulmonary (Ppul ) or intra-alveolar pressure (Palv) within the alveoli, and intrapleural pressure (Pip) within the pleural cavity.
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
8.8K
01:05Breathing
67.2K
The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
67.2K
01:24Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
10.7K
Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
10.7K