lungs

What are lung segmentectomy and limited pulmonary resection? A lung segmentectomy is the removal of diseased lung, often due to lung cancer. A lung segmentectomy is a procedure to remove the diseased lung without removing excess normal lung. Certain diseases, such as lung cancer, may require removal of the part of the lungs to limit …

What is medical thoracoscopy? Medical thoracoscopy is a procedure that helps a physician view the chest cavity and the lungs by inserting an endoscope/thoracoscope (camera with light source) through the chest wall. Thoracoscopy may be performed as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. It is also called a pleuroscopy.   Medical thoracoscopy shows a doctor a view of the chest cavity and lungs …

What is a laryngeal mask airway (LMA)? A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) allows ventilation, oxygenation, and anesthesia without needing a tube in the windpipe. A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a device inserted into the area behind the mouth and nose, connecting them to the food pipe (the pharynx) to allow ventilation, oxygenation, and administration of anesthetic gases, without the …

What does percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation mean? Percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation is a procedure to insert a needle into the trachea and pump in high-pressure air to breathe for the patient. It avoids some problems of naso-tracheal intubation and is less invasive than a tracheostomy (surgical breathing hole in the throat). Percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation (PTJV) is a procedure to …

What is a pulmonary function test? Four common types of lung tests are spirometry, lung volume test, gas diffusion test, and exercise stress test. Pulmonary function test or lung function test is a group of tests that check the workings of the lungs. They are noninvasive test which can determine the functional status of the lung cells and how well …

What is pneumonectomy? A pneumonectomy is a type of surgery to remove one of the lungs. Lungs are a part of the respiratory system that removes oxygen from the air and pass it into your blood. Every individual has two lungs; these lungs connect to mouth through a series of tubular structures. A pneumonectomy is a type of surgery to …

What is pulse oximetry? Dr. Richard Levitan, MD, says that the use of home finger pulse oximeters by patients with COVID-19 could preempt the precipitous oxygen desaturation that leads to a crisis that needs intensive care. Pulse oximetry is a quick, noninvasive test that measures the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) in the blood. It is an easy, painless method to measure …

What is a pleurectomy? A pleurectomy is a surgical procedure that is done to remove part of the pleura. Pleurectomy is indicated for an individual who has recurrent lung diseases or infections. Lungs are surrounded by a thin lining called pleural membrane (pleura). Pleura help lungs move with ease during respiration. A pleurectomy is a surgical procedure that is done …

What is a pleural biopsy? Three types of pleural biopsies are needle biopsy, thoracoscopic biopsy, and open biopsy. A pleural biopsy is a procedure used to remove a sample of the pleura using a special biopsy needle during surgery to diagnose disease, infection or cancer. Pleura is a thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lung. A …

What is barotrauma in mechanical ventilation? Barotrauma is a condition in which the alveoli (air sacs of the lungs) rupture with a subsequent entry of air into the surrounding extra alveolar space. Barotrauma is typically caused by lung air sacs rupturing or a direct injury. Barotrauma can complicate mechanical ventilation, as it is associated with life-threatening conditions or even death. Hence, …