Current status of interventional therapy for pulmonary emphysema with bronchoscopy

Pulmonary emphysema is one of phenotypes of lung disease that can progress to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The pathogenesis is unknown, which may be closely related to smoking, infection, gene mutation, and air pollution. Pathological features of emphysema include the decreased airway elasticity at the distal end of the bronchioles and over-hyperinflation. As the incidence and mortality of COPD increase, emphysema has become the focus of research. The efficacy of drugs for COPD is limited, and currently the treatment of emphysema mainly depends on surgery. Since the concept of lung volume reduction surgery was proposed in the 1990s, many studies have confirmed improvement of lung function and exercise capacity, but the large wound, high mortality, and high cost have reduced its benefits. Lung volume reduction surgery with bronchoscopy technology, including valves, coils, sclerosants, vapor thermal ablation, etc., has the advantages of minimal invasive and decreased mortality under the basis of effectiveness. This article aims to review the current status of interventional therapy for pulmonary emphysema with bronchoscopy, compare and summarize the characteristics and applicable populations of interventional therapy, and provide theoretical support for patients' early referral and clinicians' decision-making.