Ricerc@Sapienza

As of October 17th the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic disease (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) 40 million people worldwide, with almost one million deaths [1]. Although most patients have an uncomplicated clinical course, the more severe forms of COVID-19 require hospitalization and intensive care unit admission [2]. Conventional high-flow oxygen therapy, non-invasive and/or invasive mechanical ventilation, often in combination with pronepositioning, have all been reported to be effective in the majority of patients [2].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the major causes of disability and mortality. The efficacy of maximal medical treatment, although effective at the early stages of the disease, becomes limited when extensive alveolar destruction is the main cause of respiratory failure. At this stage of the disease more aggressive options, when feasible, should be considered. Lung transplantation and lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) are currently available for a selected group of patients.