Endobronchial valve therapy for patients with advanced emphysema.A report from a tertiary care center in China

Abstract

To assess the efficiency and safety of endobronchial valve (EBV) treatment in Chinese patients. A retrospective analysis was performed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who underwent EBV implantation in our hospital between October 2010 and January 2017. All patients were confirmed with no collateral ventilation (CV-) or with low airflow (LF) in the treated lobe. Pulmonary function parameters, the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), as well as adverse events in the follow-up period were recorded. Thirty-eight advanced emphysema patients received EBV implantation. Significant improvements were found in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)(FEV1: +0.12 L), 6MWD (+64.9 m), and mMRC (-0.5 points). A total of 55.3% and 65.8% of subjects met the score for the minimal clinically important difference in FEV1 and 6MWD, respectively. FEV1 improved more significantly in the CV- group than in the LF group. Pneumothorax or death did not occur during the follow-up period. Endobronchial valve treatment in patients with advanced emphysema and CV- provides clinically meaningful benefits with a low incidence of pneumothorax. The efficiency and safety of EBV therapy are acceptable in China.