The potential for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using bronchial prostheses: a pilot study.

Study Objectives: Significant morbidity and mortality offset the benefits of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for emphysema. By contributing to distal lung collapse, bronchoscopic placement of valved prostheses has the potential to noninvasively replicate the beneficial effects of LVRS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of placing valves in segmental airways of patients with emphysema.

Factors affecting outcome after percutaneous renal artery stent insertion.

Background: Renal artery stenosis is increasingly being treated with the percutaneous insertion of stents. Little data are available to help select patients most likely to derive benefit from the procedure.

Methods: Data were gathered on all patients treated with renal artery stent insertion at the Royal Melbourne Hospital prior to 1998, and who were followed-up for at least 6 months or until death.