Thoracic Flashcards
Where does the azygous vein dump?
The azygous vein on the right dumps into the superior vena cava.
Where does the thoracic duct travel?
The thoracic duct travels on the right, crosses midline at T4-T5, and dumps into the subclavian vein.
Thoracic duct goes right to left at T4-T5
What is the location of the phrenic nerve?
The phrenic nerve is located anterior to the hilum.
What is the location of the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve is located posterior to the hilum.
What is the function of Type I pneumocytes?
Type I pneumocytes are responsible for gas exchange.
What is the function of Type II pneumocytes?
Type II pneumocytes produce surfactant and can replicate.
What is the most common chest wall tumor?
The most common chest wall tumor is osteochondroma.
What is the most common malignant chest wall tumor?
The most common malignant chest wall tumor is chondrosarcoma.
What are the risk factors for post-operative pulmonary complications?
Risk factors: Age >50, COPD, CHF, ASA > 2, albumin < 3.5, OSA, pulm HTN, smoking, incisions closer to diaphragm
Stop smoking, even if just 1 week prior to surgery (previously thought this would thicken secretions debunked)
Pre-operative albumin of <3.0 is the single greatest laboratory predictor of adverse pulmonary events post-surgery
Nasogastric tubes increases the risk of PNA and atelectasis
What happens to FRC with PEEP?
PEEP increases FRC.
TV= amount of air moved during a normal breath
VC= amount of air moved from maximal inspiration to maximal expiration
RV= amount of air remaining in lung after maximal expiration
ERV: amount of air that can be exhaled after normal expiration
FRC= volume of air remaining in lungs after normal expiration
How does obesity affect FRC, TLC, and VC?
FRC, TLC, and VC decrease with increasing obesity.
What characterizes restrictive lung disease?
Restrictive lung disease decreases TLC, RV, FEV1, and FVC, with FEV1/FVC normal or increased.
What characterizes obstructive lung disease?
Obstructive lung disease increases TLC, RV, and decreases FEV1 and FVC, with a low FEV1/FVC ratio.
What is the effect of age on lung function?
- increased FRC (ERV & RV) and residual volume. Decreased vital capacity. Total lung capacity is preserved
- DLCO decreases with age
- overall lung compliance is decreased
What is the mandatory pre-operative test before lung resection?
First check pre-operative FEV1 and DLCO, if both > 80% proceed to surgery. If either <80% then need predicted post-operative lung function below
If the predicted post-operative of residual lung function FEV1 and DLCP is > 60% = low risk, proceed with lobectomy
If either predicted post-operative functions are between 30-60%: exercise screening test (stair climbing, walking 400 meters) should be performed: if screening satisfactory low risk, proceed with lobectomy
If either predicted post-operative functions are < 30%: then need formal cardiopulmonary testing
-V/Q scan to see contribution of diseased lung to overall FEV1= best predictor pulmonary complications and being able to wean off the ventilator
DLCO: measures carbon monoxide diffusion & represents oxygen exchange capacity; depends on pulmonary capillary surface area, hemoglobin content alveolar architecture
What is the most common complication following lobectomy?
- Persistent air leak – wedge/segmentectomy
- Atelectasis – lobectomy = MC complication following lung surgery
- Arrhythmias – pneumonectomy
- Broncho pleural fistula – pneumonectomy
What is the biggest prognostic indicator for lung cancer?
Biggest prognostic indicator for lung CA – nodal status
TNM Staging
T1: less than 3
T2: 3 - 5 cm but greater than 2 cm from carina
T3 tumors (all potentially resectable) – 5-7 cm in size, chest wall, pericardium, phrenic nerve, parietal pleura
T4 tumors (non-resectable)- > 7 cm, DIAPHRAGM, mediastinum, heart, great vessels, carina, trachea, esophagus, vertebra, recurrent laryngeal nerve
-N1 nodes (resectable) – hilar, intra-lobar, lobar
-N2 (NOT resectable) - ipsilateral mediastinal, subcarinal, aortopulmonary window
-N3 (NOT resectable) – contralateral mediastinal, supraclavicular
M1: distant metastasis
Considered (non-resectable)
- Pleural effusion, heart, great vessel, recurrent laryngeal, carina, trachea,
- Mediastinal node involvement, esophagus, vertebra
- Bilateral lung involvement
- Any extra-thoracic mets
- > 7 cm
What is the most common lung cancer type?
Adenocarcinoma is the most common lung cancer, typically found in non-smokers.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma – MC lung cancer. NON SMOKER!! More peripheral!