inevitable. In certain cases, the affected part of the lung may be surgically removed when recurring or chronic infections become disabling or bleeding is significant. If a tumor is blocking the airway, relieving the obstruction by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or laser therapy may prevent atelectasis from progressing and recurrent obstructive pneumonia from developing. See also Alveolar capillary dysplasia, a very rare type of diffuse congenital disorder of the lung Flat-chested kitten syndrome or FCKS: atelectasis in neo-natal kittens Tympanic membrane atelectasis: Retraction of the ear drum into the middle ear can also be referred to as atelectasis. William Pasteur, pioneer pulmonologist References External links Atelectasis at Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Professional Edition Respiratory diseases Respiratory therapy