Lung Volume Reduction Surgery on Extracorporeal Life Support.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a standard treatment for selected emphysema patients, enhancing exercise tolerance and lung function.
• LVRS is typically performed electively and is contraindicated in acute cardiorespiratory failure.

Observation:

• A patient with severe emphysema experienced acute respiratory failure and decompensated cor pulmonale.
• The patient required venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS) for life-saving intervention.

Findings:

• The patient successfully underwent LVRS while on VA-ECLS, with the surgery intended to facilitate weaning from support.
• Complete functional recovery was achieved within 4 months post-procedure.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the potential feasibility and benefit of LVRS in critically ill emphysema patients with acute respiratory failure.
• It suggests that advanced life support measures like VA-ECLS can enable surgical intervention in previously contraindicated scenarios, leading to positive outcomes.