WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

DESTROYING the vagus nerves around the lungs can irritate the nerve supplying the gastrointestinal tract, leading to heartburn and bloating. This usually resolves in about six to 12 weeks. There may be ulceration in the airway; this should heal.

‘TARGETED lung denervation’ is a very new approach that may well help some with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,’ says Dr Ramsey Sabit, a leading respiratory consultant who is in favour of the new technique.

‘The science behind it appears sound. This is good as up to now there has been little treatment intervention that makes a huge difference.’