Advances in Surgical and Mechanical Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality in the United States, behind cardiovascular and malignant disorders. As the understanding of the pathogenesis has evolved, it led to targeting mechanical aspects of the disease to improve patient symptoms and quality of life. Modern management of COPD offers a variety of mechanical and surgical treatments for patients with advanced disease who do not achieve benefit from medical therapy alone. These treatments include therapies aimed at lung volume reduction, through surgical or bronchoscopic techniques. While these techniques are established and have proven benefit, others are still under development. Herein we discuss these techniques, aimed at improving clinician recognition of patients that may benefit from these interventions.