Interventional Bronchoscopy for COPD. Issue 2 (March 2017) - Garner, Justin
Abstract : Novel bronchoscopic therapies for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are under development to target hyperinflation and airways disease. Of the lung volume reduction treatments, endobronchial valves have been the most successful when implanted in patients with severe heterogenous and homogenous emphysema without collateral ventilation. Endobronchial coils have proved beneficial in patients with heterogenous and homogenous emphysema including those with collateral ventilation: randomized controlled trials have shown modest benefit. Sealants and vapor therapy offer the possibility of a segmental approach targeted at the most diseased areas and preservation of a relatively functioning lung. Airway treatments including targeted lung denervation and endobronchial cryospray are exciting technologies currently being evaluated in clinical trials.