[1] The underlying theory of the treatment was the belief that if the diseased lobe of the lung was physically forced to collapse, it would heal quickly.

These complications included hemorrhage, infection and fistulization (abnormal opening between two hollow organs) of the bronchus, aorta, esophagus and skin.

[citation needed] The technique involved surgically creating a cavity underneath the ribs in the upper part of the chest wall and filling this space with some inert material.

A variety of substances were typically used and included air, olive or mineral oil, gauze, paraffin wax, rubber sheeting or bags and Lucite balls.

The inserted material would force the upper lobe of the lung to collapse.