Severe Emphysema Treated with Bilateral Lung Sealant: A Case Series with Long-Term Follow-Up

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) for emphysematous hyperinflation has evolved during the last two decades as an alternative to lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) with lower morbidity and mortality. Emphysematous lung sealant (ELS) is a form of BLVR specifically aimed at patients with collateral ventilation (CV), shown to have favorable outcomes in lung function up to two years. This case series presents four emphysema patients treated bilaterally with ELS, with a follow-up period up to six years. Two of the patients had previously undergone LVRS and BLVR with valves. Following ELS installment, all patients showed positive changes in spirometric values, with varying durability between one and five years. Three patients reported an overall improvement in subjective symptoms after treatment as measured by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), one of which had lasting improvement even after five years (CAT from 20 to 13). Two of the four treated patients suffered recurrent respiratory exacerbations and pneumonias requiring hospitalization. They both went on to receive lung transplantation within one and three years. This report concludes that ELS has a meaningful effect on reducing hyperinflation in emphysema with improving pulmonary function tests, and relieving symptoms of dyspnea for up to five years. Unfortunately, some patients develop complications leading to recurrent exacerbations. We were not able to show a survival benefit with ELS treatment. This article highlights the need for further research in order to predict who will benefit from this treatment and how to handle CV-positive patients.