Transthoracic decompression of emphysematous bulla: a novel experience
Bhattacharyya, P.; Bardhan, S.; Nag, S.; Mukherjee, S.; Verma, A.
Indian Journal of Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences 53(1): 51-53
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-9343 PMID: 21446225 Document Number: 653139
Emphysematous bullae are closed air containing spaces in lung parenchyma that may severely compromise lung function in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We describe a simple and minimally invasive procedure to decompress a large emphysematous bullae in a patient with advanced COPD and high surgical risk. Transthoracic decompression of the bulla was accomplished under short-acting anaesthesia and muscle relaxation resulting in significant symptomatic, radiological and functional improvement.