The Curious Clinicians 99 - Living on a Lung
Oct 30, 2024
The hosts celebrate a milestone, recording live at a major medical conference. They passionately discuss living with one lung, exploring resilience and adaptation after major surgeries. A riveting historical perspective reveals pioneering techniques from a Victorian-era surgeon. The marvel of lung regeneration is highlighted with a fascinating case study, showcasing the body’s incredible ability to adapt. Anecdotes from their medical journeys add a personal touch, enhancing the storytelling throughout the vibrant discussion.
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First Successful Pneumonectomy Story
- William McEwen performed the first pneumonectomy in 1895 on a patient with tuberculosis and empyema.
- Remarkably, the patient recovered fully and returned to work, walking 10 miles at a stretch and bounding up 80 stairs.
Lung Function Dips Less Than Expected
- Lung function drops less than 50% after pneumonectomy, suggesting the body adapts.
- Patients experience about 30-35% decrease in FEV1 and only 20% decrease in VO2 max, showing lung reserve and compensation.
Remnant Lung Recruits and Matches Perfusion
- The remaining lung compensates by recruiting alveoli and receiving all cardiac output, improving ventilation-perfusion matching.
- This matching helps maintain oxygenation despite losing a lung.