Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction for pulmonary emphysema: preliminary experience with endobronchial occluder

To describe the self-expanding endobronchial occluder, as utilized in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, with a 36 month follow-up procedure.

Twenty-three subjects with severe emphysema were recruited and underwent flexible bronchoscopic placement of self-expanding endobronchial occluders. Outcomes were assessed at 1 week, 1-month, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month intervals. Feasibility, safety, and efficacy were analyzed by means of pulmonary function testing, 6-min walk test, dyspnea score, BODE (body mass index, air-flow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire.

Fifty-eight self-expanding endobronchial occluders were implanted into 23 lobes previously selected. No displacement was found during the follow-up. Five subjects experienced postoperative complications of cough, and 6 subjects had lobar pneumonia, which were not located in any of the blocked segments. The FEV1 in 18 subjects was improved by > 15%, compared with baselines (P < .001), and the mean first efficacy time and maximal efficacy time were 5.65 ± 1.51 months and 6.35 ± 3.08 months, respectively. No significant changes were observed in FVC or the ratio of residual volume to TLC. The 6-min walk distance, dyspnea score, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score were improved in 22 subjects over a 24-month period, and a minority of subjects continued to improve through to the end of the study. Mean baseline BODE index had improved during follow-up, but not at the study's conclusion.

This preliminary study demonstrates early significant improvements in pulmonary function, 6-min walk distance, dyspnea score, BODE index, and quality of life after placement of the self-expanding endobronchial occluder in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction. Its placement also proved both easy and safe. However, the initial improvements were maintained long-term for only a minority of subjects.