Complications after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction

J Thorac Dis. 2018 Aug;10(Suppl 23):S2811-S2815. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2018.06.66.

Abstract

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) has been demonstrated an efficient and safe alternative to surgery in multiple randomized trials and retrospective cohort studies. However, despite its minimal invasiveness BLVR is not without potential harm. Complications and their incidents differ significantly between the individual BLVR techniques (valves, coils, vapour or sealant) which are bearing varying device- and intervention-dependent risks. Interventional pulmonologists must be aware of potential side effects and their management to anticipate and ensure highest quality treatment of the severely ill emphysema patient.

Keywords: Emphysema; bronchoscopy; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); complications; lung volume reduction.

Publication types

  • Review