Vibration Response Imaging in Prediction of Pulmonary Function After Pulmonary Resection

Abstract

Background. Vibration response imaging (VRI) is a new technique that captures lung sounds generated by the flow of air through the lungs. It predicts postoperative values for an intended lung resection. In this study, we measured the predicted postoperative pulmonary function as determined by a perfusion lung scan and the VRI, and compared with results from the postoperative pulmonary function. Methods. This study was performed prospectively in patients who were candidates for major pulmonary resection. Each patient underwent a pulmonary function test, perfusion scintigraphy, and VRI within 1 week before operation. Postoperative lung function was measured at 4 to 6 weeks. Results. The study enrolled 44 patients. There were no significant differences for predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppoFEV(1)) and predicted postoperative diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (ppoDLCO) between scan and VRI. Both ppoFEV(1) and ppoDLCO using a scan and VRI predicted the postoperative results well, respectively. The postoperative FEV1 was correlated with ppoFEV(1) using a scan (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), and the ppoFEV(1) using a VRI (r = 0.83, p < 0.001). The postoperative DLCO was correlated with the ppoDLCO using a scan (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), and the ppoDLCO using a VRI (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). Conclusions. The VRI was highly predictive of postoperative FEV1 and DLCO for lung resection. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012;94:1680-7) (C) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons