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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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, …
Read More »
What is a bag valve mask? Bag-valve-mask (BVM) or the Ambu bag is a self-inflating bag used to provide ventilation to the person not breathing normally. Bag valve mask (BVM) ventilation is usually done in an emergency until intubation can be done. A BVM consists of a non-rebreathing valve and a face mask. The opposite end of the bag is …
Read More »
What is noninvasive ventilation? Invasive ventilation: The type of ventilation where oxygen is delivered to your lungs through a tube inserted into your nose or throat (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube) that goes into your windpipe. A ventilator is a machine that helps in delivering oxygen to your lungs. It is used to assist with breathing when you cannot breathe …
Read More »
What is decortication? Decortication is a surgical procedure that removes the restrictive layer of fibrous tissue overlying an organ. It is mostly performed to remove the fibrous layer over the lung, chest wall, and diaphragm. Pleura is a thin membrane that lines the outer surface of the lungs (visceral pleura) and the inner surface of the chest wall (parietal pleura). The …
Read More »
What is breath sound assessment? Breath sound assessment is a standardized way doctors listen to the sound your lungs make. This helps them diagnose various lung problems. Clinical evaluation of breath sounds is the first and most common method of assessing lung health. The stethoscope placed on the back and chest lets the physician listen to the breath sounds. This …
Read More »
