Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction For Pulmonary Emphysema: Preliminary Experience With Endobronchial Occluder

Abstract

This preliminary study demonstrates early significant improvements in pulmonary function, 6-min walk distance, dyspnea score, BODE index, and quality of life after placement of the self-expanding endobronchial occluder in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction. Its placement also proved both easy and safe. However, the initial improvements were maintained long-term for only a minority of subjects.