Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction: A 2018 Review and Update

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Interventional Pulmonology

Background:

• End-stage emphysema treatment options are expanding.
• Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) is a key advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current BLVR treatments for emphysema.
• To detail clinical benefits and potential complications.
• To discuss future directions and cost-effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on BLVR procedures.
• Analysis of clinical benefits, including symptom and functional improvements.
• Overview of reported complications and emerging techniques.

Main Results:

• BLVR treatments effectively reduce dyspnea by decreasing lung hyperinflation and residual volume.
• Improvements observed in lung function (FEV1, TLC, RV) and 6-minute walking test distance.
• Potential complications include pneumothorax, pneumonia, and COPD exacerbation.

Conclusions:

• BLVR is a promising treatment for severe emphysema, improving quality of life.
• Inadequate patient selection and non-specialist application can hinder effectiveness.
• Developing lower-cost BLVR methods is essential for wider accessibility and sustainability.