Lung volume reduction surgery

Mayo Clinic's approach

Mayo Clinic has the testing and medical expertise to help decide which treatment option is appropriate for you. Because of Mayo Clinic's status as a Medicare-approved lung transplant center, lung volume reduction surgery qualifies for Medicare reimbursement.

Experience

Mayo Clinic surgeons are experienced in performing this surgery either via a large incision (thoracotomy) or through several small incisions using a special scope (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery).

Teamwork

You are cared for by doctors, nurses and therapists who specialize in lung diseases and who work together in the same clinic and hospital unit.

Mayo will continue to oversee your care through a rehabilitation center closer to your home. Mayo Clinic works with your hometown doctor to ensure your continuing care is well-coordinated.

Advanced technology

Mayo Clinic's campus in Minnesota has a state-of-the-art Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, which is key to the success of lung volume reduction surgery.

Research

Mayo Clinic has been a pioneering center in translating lung volume reduction surgery from a research tool to part of everyday care of people with emphysema.

Mayo Clinic was one of the participating centers in the multicenter national trial that evaluated the effectiveness and role of lung volume reduction surgery. The trial helped define who is most likely to benefit from the surgery.

Mayo Clinic has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health to identify and test lung rehabilitation options, and then to translate this knowledge to the best care for people with lung diseases.

This emphasis on research increases the treatment choices available to Mayo Clinic patients. A variety of clinical trials and other studies may be available to you at Mayo Clinic.

Expertise and rankings

The Division of Pulmonary Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has a dedicated practice to evaluate lung volume reduction surgery candidates. Overall, Mayo Clinic is one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.

Collaborative work is the key in decision-making and execution: Lung volume reduction surgery is performed by specialists in cardiothoracic surgery, who work closely with doctors who specialize in pulmonary medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation to care for individuals before and after surgery. Patient choice is a key part of all decision-making.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for pulmonology by U.S. News and World Report.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:

Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.