Thirteen cases of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction and complication analysis

Abstract

Objective Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a new technique for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.But rare was known about its complication.This study was to find out short time and long-term complication. Methods 13 cases of heterogeneous emphysema with intact interlobar fissure were inrolled, and accepted BLVR, and were followed up in the clinic or by phone. Results Most common short time complication was cough and sputum with little blood.One case with pneumothorax and one with acute left heart failure.No valves were attracted for short time complication.Patients were followed up for average 10 months.Long-term complications included a case of pneumonia, a case of bronchiectasis and a case of lung abscess with torsional bronchus.No one was died because of BLVR procedure and complication. Conclusions There are some complications for BLVR, but no deterioration and death.BLVR is a relatively safe procedure. Key words: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction; One-way valve; Complication; Heterogenous emphysema