Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction: A Narrative Review and Proposal for the Inclusion Criteria

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Interventional Pulmonology

Background:

• Emphysema is a severe, irreversible lung disease with high morbidity and mortality.
• Treatment options for advanced emphysema are limited.
• Endobronchial valves are recommended for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in severe COPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose expanded patient selection criteria for endobronchial valve therapy.
• To increase patient referrals and eligibility for lung volume reduction procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of inclusion and exclusion criteria from existing clinical trials on endobronchial valves.
• Development of a proposal for revised patient selection guidelines.

Main Results:

• Analysis revealed potential for broader patient eligibility through revised criteria.
• Expanded criteria may lead to increased utilization of lung volume reduction procedures.

Conclusions:

• Revised patient selection criteria could enhance the application of endobronchial valve therapy.
• Increased access to this procedure may reduce emphysema-related morbidity and mortality.