[Interventional Bronchoscopy: What is Possible and What Makes Sense?]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Interventional Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Interventional bronchoscopy is crucial for treating diverse pulmonary conditions.
• Central airway obstruction (CAO) is a primary indication for these procedures.
• Emerging techniques offer new therapeutic avenues for lung diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role and advancements in interventional bronchoscopy.
• To highlight therapeutic modalities for CAO and other lung diseases.
• To discuss novel approaches like biodegradable stents and lung volume reduction.

Main Methods:

• Review of current interventional bronchoscopy techniques.
• Discussion of therapeutic options for CAO, COPD, emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.
• Exploration of emerging technologies such as biodegradable stents, endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR), targeted lung denervation, and cryospray therapy.

Main Results:

• Biodegradable stents offer a temporary solution for maintaining airway patency.
• Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) techniques help manage hyperinflation in severe emphysema.
• Targeted lung denervation and cryospray therapy are under investigation for COPD, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

Conclusions:

• Interventional bronchoscopy provides a wide range of treatments for complex pulmonary diseases.
• Innovations in biodegradable stents and ELVR are expanding treatment options.
• Ongoing research into targeted lung denervation and cryospray therapy holds promise for future therapies.