Lung volume reduction in patients with emphysema after prolonged ventilatory assistance

A 42-year-old patient with emphysema was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for an episode of acute respiratory failure. The patient became depen dent on invasive mechanical ventilation and surgical lung volume I eduction was performed The indication of lung volume reduction in this pathological situation but was followed by rapid weaning 48 hours postoperatively. The patient was discharged without ventilatory assistance and has nor required further ventilatory assistance after more than 2 years follow-up.