 Emphysema affects an estimated 60 million people worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In its most basic terms, emphysema causes the destruction of lung parenchyma resulting in collateral ventilation from one part of the lung to another through the disrupted alveolar walls, to the point that gas transport from one part of the lung to another may exceed gas flow through the small airways. In other words, the gas can move freely about within the lung, but it cannot get out, which causes over inflation, or hyperinflation of the diseased lung. When the disease is far advanced, patients are afflicted with disabling dyspnea that progressively restricts their activities and eventually causes great suffering. The crippling effects of end-stage emphysema, including severe dyspnea and marked limitation of activities, relate in large measure to the dynamic hyperinflation of the lungs associated with the loss of elasticity, gas trapping and collapse of small airways. The progressive enlargement of the thorax and flattening of the diaphragm render inspiratory muscles inefficient, increase the work of breathing and contribute to a feeling of breathlessness. The major medical therapeutic modalities include bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory drugs directed at decreasing airway resistance and antibiotics to combat infection. Pulmonary rehabilitation techniques and exercise training have proven of palliative benefit. In general, the results of medical treatment for advanced airway obstruction frequently result in a persistently anguished patient and frustrated physician. A system that could efficiently decompress emphysematous lungs with each breath would result in significant clinical benefit, including lessened dyspnea, decreased work of breathing, and increased exercise tolerance. 