Abstract
Background: Endoscopic valve therapy aims at lung volume reduction (ELVR) that is associated with improved lung function, exercise tolerance and quality of life in emphysema patients. The size of intrabronchial valves selected to achieve lobar occlusion may have an influence on treatment outcomes. Methods: 49 patients (♂/♀:24/25, age: 64±7 years) with complete interlobar fissures, underwent IBV implantation in 3 centers and were followed up at 30, 90 and 180 days postinterventional. Changes in pulmonary function tests, 6-Minute-Walk-Test (6MWT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale were recorded. We used a univariate panel regression model using each of the variables of interest as outcomes (dependent variable) and time (in months) as the independent variable. The coefficient is interpreted as the “average change per calendar month during the study period”. A positive coefficient means that there was an increase (on average) whereas a negative coefficient means there was a decrease (on average) over time. Results: Regarding the severe complications, pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion occurred in 13 cases (26,5 %). Conclusions: ELVR with the 9mm IBV valves was associated with a modest but sustained improvement of FEV1, mMRC and 6MWT up to 6 months post-intervention. The incidence of pneumothoraxes requiring drainage was 26.5%.
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