What tests are needed to determine if LVRS is needed?
Your physician can determine if LVRS is an appropriate treatment for you by performing the following tests: • Chest x-ray • Pulmonary function tests • Arterial blood gas (to measure levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood) • Electrocardiogram (EKG) • High resolution, computed tomography scan • Oxygen titration • Six-minute walk • Cardiopulmonary exercise test • Right heart catheterization (only if additional tests are required) • Cardiac stress test • Pulmonologist consultation How is lung volume reduction surgery completed? The goal of LVRS is to remove up to 30 percent of each lung, making the lungs smaller and allowing them to function better. Lung volume reduction surgery can be performed by either a sternotomy or with a minimally invasive technique called thoracoscopy. Cleveland Clinic thoracic surgeons have expertise in all of the surgical techniques for LVRS. Your surgeon will carefully evaluate you to determine the safest surgical approach to treat your medical conditi
