Endoscopic Lung Volume Reduction with Autologous Blood: What is the Evidence?

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine
• Interventional Pulmonology

Background:

• Severe lung diseases like emphysema limit treatment options, especially for patients unsuitable for surgery.
• Biological lung volume reduction (BioLVR) presents a novel, low-cost endobronchial approach.
• Autologous blood (AB) is a promising biological agent for BioLVR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the benefits and complications of using autologous blood (AB) for biological lung volume reduction (BioLVR).
• To explore the potential of AB in treating hyperinflated lung diseases.
• To discuss future perspectives of AB as a BioLVR therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on BioLVR using fibrin-based hydrogel, fibrinogen, and autologous blood (AB).
• Analysis of treatment outcomes in patients with heterogeneous emphysema, pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and giant bullae.
• Evaluation of safety and tolerability of AB application for lung volume reduction.

Main Results:

• BioLVR with AB induces inflammation, atelectasis, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling, leading to lung volume reduction.
• Favorable outcomes observed in patients with various hyperinflated lung conditions.
• Significant improvements in lung function, quality of life, and reduced dyspnea scores reported.

Conclusions:

• Autologous blood (AB) is a safe and well-tolerated option for BioLVR, showing no pneumothorax or mortality.
• BioLVR with AB offers a viable therapeutic alternative for patients with limited surgical options.
• Further investigation into the benefits, complications, and future applications of AB in BioLVR is warranted.