Two-year Results of Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Using One-Way Endobronchial Valves: Real-World Single Center...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Interventional Pulmonology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using endobronchial valves (EBV) is a minimally invasive treatment for advanced emphysema.
• Limited long-term outcome data exist for BLVR outside clinical trials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the real-world, long-term outcomes of BLVR with EBV up to two years.
• To assess the impact of BLVR on lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life using the BODE index.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing BLVR at University Hospitals of Leuven.
• Data collection included lung function (FEV1, RV), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), respiratory questionnaires (SGRQ, mMRC), and BODE index at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
• A composite outcome (FEV1, 6MWD, SGRQ) was used to evaluate treatment response.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in FEV1, RV, 6MWD, mMRC, and SGRQ were observed up to one year.
• RV and mMRC maintained statistical significance at two years.
• The BODE index showed sustained improvement for two years, with a composite outcome response rate of 86% at one year and 71% at two years.

Conclusions:

• Real-world data demonstrate maintained benefits of BLVR with EBV up to two years post-treatment.
• A potential survival benefit, indicated by the BODE index, and a high composite outcome response rate were observed in patients who completed follow-up.