Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction with Endobronchial Valves in Low-FEV1 Patients

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) with valves has been shown to improve lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with emphysema, but only few patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ≤20% predicted have been included in former studies. Although the procedure can be performed safely, pneumothorax is a frequent complication, which can be critical for these very severely diseased patients.

The aim of the study was to assess the safety of BLVR in patients with a very advanced stage of emphysema, as indicated by FEV1 ≤20% predicted.

Patients in whom BLVR was performed between January 2013 and August 2015 were included in this analysis if their baseline predicted FEV1 was ≤20%. BLVR, performed only if collateral ventilation was absent, achieved complete occlusion of the target lobe. All patients were closely monitored and were not discharged before the fourth day after BLVR.

Twenty patients with FEV1 ≤20% predicted were included in the analysis. Lung volume reduction was achieved in 65% of the cases. Pneumothorax occurred in 4 cases (20%). No patient died. Lung function and exercise tolerance improved after 1 and 3 months, respectively.

BLVR with valves can be safely performed in patients with FEV1 ≤20% predicted when close postprocedural monitoring is provided. Improvement in lung function and exercise capacity can be achieved.