Lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves in patients with emphysema

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves is a recently acknowledged treatment option in patients with severe emphysema and absence of interlobar collateral ventilation. In endobronchial valve treatment, implantation of one-way valves leads to deflation of a hyperinflated lung lobe. Multiple studies showed significant improvements in lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in this patient subgroup which often did not have any remaining treatment options.

In this review, efficacy outcomes and adverse events of endobronchial valve treatment are summarized. The importance of selection of the right patients and target lobe is discussed. The role of bodyplethysmography, quantitative CT analysis, and quantification of interlobar collateral ventilation in this selection process are evaluated. Furthermore, this review has a special focus on ongoing trials and future perspectives of this treatment.

Development of advanced diagnostic imaging methods will result in a better patient and target selection and improved outcomes. Furthermore, optimizing the device and the procedure might be an important focus in future developments to enhance outcomes and reduce adverse events.