Efficacy and Safety of Broncho Muco Cleaner Balloon Dilation Therapy in Chronic Bronchitis-Predominant COPD: A...

Background/Objectives: COPD is a chronic, progressive, heterogeneous disease. While volume-reducing procedures are available for advanced emphysema-predominant COPD, options remain limited for chronic bronchitis-predominant COPD. Broncho Muco Cleaner Balloon (BMCB) dilation therapy is a method that aims to provide clinical and functional benefit by causing damage to the goblet cells in the bronchial system. This study evaluated the safety and effects of this method on exacerbations, dyspnea and exercise capacity in chronic bronchitis-predominant COPD. Methods: In this prospective interventional study, a total of 35 patients with stage II-IV chronic bronchitis-predominant COPD underwent BMCB therapy. The results of 25 patients who completed the 12-month-follow-up period were analyzed. Dyspnea was assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, pulmonary function with spirometry, exercise capacity with the 6 min walk test (6MWT), and quality of life with the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: At the 12-month follow-up, there were significant improvements in mMRC scores (p < 0.001), moderate/severe exacerbations (p = 0.022), and in the symptom, activity, impact, and total scores of the SGRQ (all p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed in FEV₁ (p = 0.291) or 6MWT distance (p = 0.420). No procedure-related mortality occurred during the study period. In one patient, bradycardia was observed during the procedure, but it did not cause hemodynamic instability. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, BMCB dilation therapy in patients with chronic bronchitis-predominant COPD appears to be safe. It reduces the perceived severity of dyspnea, decreases the number of moderate/severe exacerbations, and improves quality of life, without causing significant changes in pulmonary function or exercise capacity.