Interventional Bronchoscopy Research Articles

Robotic bronchoscopy for pulmonary lesions: a review of existing technologies and clinical data.

Bronchoscopic interventions are preferred for sampling suspicious pulmonary lesions as they have lower complications and can achieve diagnosis and staging in one single procedure. Limitations in existing guided bronchoscopy platforms has led to developments in robotic assisted technologies. These devices may allow the bronchoscopist to more precisely maneuver the scope and instruments into the periphery of the lungs under direct visualization while also ensuring stability during sampling of the target lesions. These devices have the potential to improve the diagnostic yield in sampling peripheral lung lesions and may play a role in the treatment of non-operable or oligometastatic peripheral tumors using bronchoscopic ablative therapies. In this article, we review the existing robotic bronchoscopy technologies and summarize the available pre-clinical and clinical data supporting their use.

Efficacy Analysis of Bronchoscopic Interventional Therapy for Benign Tracheal Stenosis by Combination of Intelligent Imaging Analysis System and Immunohistochemistry

Objective: To assess the efficacy of bronchoscopic interventional therapy for benign tracheal stenosis by combination of intelligent imaging analysis system and immunohistochemistry. Methods: The therapeutic effect was evaluated by Computed Tomography (CT) image changes, and the effects of thermofrequency and glucocorticoids were analyzed by animal experiments. Eighteen patients with benign tracheal stenosis who were enrolled in 2017.06–2019.06 were enrolled, and the thickness, diameter and lumen area of the most narrow tracheal tube before and after bronchoscopy and 1 month after bronchoscopy were measured using intelligent image analysis software. Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (Radiofrequency group, Glucocorticoids+Radiofrequency group and control group). At the 5th, and 28th day the comparisons were made on the pathological changes of rats skin,the average optical density value of TGF-β1 and the collagen density after the damage by Radiofrequency, Glucocorticoids+Radiofrequency. Results: The thickness, diameter and lumen area of the wall before and after bronchoscopy are: 3.17 ± 1.01 mm versus 1.60 ± 0.23 mm; 3.61 ± 1.23 mm versus 9.04 ± 1.00 mm; 11.19 ± 5.32 versus 67.34 ± 13.80 mm2. The scar healing was observed in Radiofrequency group, but in the Glucocorticoids+Radiofrequency group the rats’ skin were healed incompletely. The results showed significant statistical differences among three groups on TGF-β1 comparisons: 988.41 ± 111.91, 730.19 ± 109.52 and 437.37 ± 60.48 (P < 0.05). The same results of comparisons on the collagen density showed: 96540.58 ± 29909.51, 43768.16 ± 6264.72 and 34521.15 ± 4636.19 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: After bronchoscopy intervention, the wall thickness of benign tracheal stenosis can be reduced, and the lumen diameter and area can be increased. The results can be analyzed using CT. Locally injected Betamethasone can alleviate the cicatricial tissue hyperblastosis induced by radiofrequency.

LOCAL PULMONARY ADMINISTRATION OF TRANEXAMIC ACID AS INHALATIONAL OR NEBULIZED FOR THE CONTROL OF HEMOPTYSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

TYPE: Abstract Publication TOPIC: Pharmacotherapeutics PURPOSE: Hemoptysis is defined as the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract. It has various and broad etiologies. Current definitive management of pulmonary hemorrhage, such as bronchoscopic and surgical interventions, are not readily available in rural settings and not all referral centers are capable of doing such interventions. METHODS: The authors specifically reviewed all case reports, case series of patients and 1 available Randomized Controlled Trial whom Tranexamic Acid was used as inhalational or nebulized and was used as treatment for hemoptysis. RESULTS: There is limited and paucity of data describing its use, wherein only limited case report, case series and one Randomized Controlled Trial were available. The review suggests that local administration of Tranexamic Acid, either through inhalational or nebulization, is an effective, safe, and easy-to-formulate mode of administration to control the hemoptysis of various etiologies. CONCLUSIONS: The nebulized Tranexamic Acid is a viable option for the control of hemoptysis in emergency rooms and hospitals. It is a potential bridging agent in the control hemoptysis in low resource setting. However due to limited and paucity of data, it recommended that more studies be conducted in the potential use of nebulized Tranexamic Acid. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is a viable and potential option for the control of hemoptysis in emergency rooms, hospitals. It is a potential bridging agent in the control hemoptysis in low resource setting. However due to limited and paucity of data, no cause-and-effect relationship can be concluded. It is recommended that more studies be conducted in the potential use of nebulized Tranexamic Acid. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships. KEYWORDS: hemoptysis, Nebulized Tranexamic Acid

An Integrative Approach of the Fissure Completeness Score and Chartis Assessment in Endobronchial Valve Treatment for Emphysema.

PurposeLung volume reduction using one-way endobronchial valves is a bronchoscopic treatment for patients with severe emphysema without collateral ventilation between the treatment target lobe and the ipsilateral lobe(s). CT-scan fissure analysis is often used as a surrogate to predict the absence of collateral ventilation. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the fissure completeness score (FCS) compared to the functional Chartis measurement of collateral ventilation and to provide cut-off values of the FCS in patient selection.Patients and MethodsMulticenter study in patients eligible for treatment with one-way valves. The FCS was calculated by quantitative CT analysis (Thirona, the Netherlands) and compared to status of interlobar collateral ventilation measured with Chartis system (PulmonX, USA). Thresholds were calculated for the predictive values of the presence of collateral ventilation.ResultsAn FCS >95% of the left major fissure had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91%, with 1 in 11 fissures demonstrating collateral ventilation with Chartis measurement, whereas an FCS of ≤80% had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% for the presence of collateral ventilation. For the right major fissure, the NPV was 100% for an FCS ≤90%, but 69.7% for the right upper lobe fissure.ConclusionQuantitative CT analysis is recommended in all patients evaluated for endobronchial valves. Patients with incomplete fissures (left major fissure: FCS <80%; right major fissure: <90%) can be excluded from Chartis measurement and endobronchial valve treatment. In patients with more complete fissures, the FCS is not specific enough for endobronchial valve treatment decisions. In this case, additional Chartis measurements are always recommended in the right lung. For the left lung, Chartis assessments may be omitted if the FCS is >95%.

Bronchoscopic Interventions as a Management of Airway Complications After Lung Transplant Including Assessment of Risk Factors With Special Consideration for Pretransplant Pulmonary Hypertension

BackgroundLung transplant (LTx) is a procedure associated with risk of complications related to airway stenosis that can be treated with bronchoscopic interventions (BIs). The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and risk factors associated with increased need of bronchial interventions in the post-transplant period. MethodsThe retrospective study reviewed cases of 165 patients (63 women) who underwent LTx from April 2013 to June 2019. For dichotomous discrete variables (occurrence or lack of intervention) multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the aforementioned risk factors. ResultsBIs were required among 38.55% of lung recipients (n = 65). The number of interventions/patient/y decreases between years 1 and 2 (P < .001), 2 and 3 (P = .013), and 3 and 4 (P < .001); after the fourth year post LTx the differences are not statistically significant. Each 1 mm Hg above 25 mm Hg of mean pulmonary arterial pressure causes statistically significant elevation in the number of interventions by 0.7% in the first year after the procedure. The number of BIs per patient among lung recipients who received a transplant because of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension was statistically significantly higher compared with patients with another underlying lung disease. ConclusionsAirway complications developed in the post-transplant period caused a significant number of patients to be in need of BI, especially balloon bronchoplasty. The highest number of interventions occurred within the first year after LTx, and BI decreases over time. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure measured during qualification may have the ability to predict whether the patient would require BI after LTx.

Clinical outcomes and the role of bronchoscopic intervention in patients with primary pulmonary salivary gland-type tumors

ObjectivesPrimary pulmonary salivary gland-type tumors (PSGT) are rare among all types of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was not only to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors after treatment, but also to assess the role for bronchoscopic intervention in PSGT. MethodsWe analyzed the medical data of 181 PSGT patients who were treated between 1995 and 2018. Patients were divided into three groups according to the initial treatment, as follows: surgical resection with/without adjuvant therapy including bronchoscopic intervention (surgery group, n = 116); bronchoscopic intervention without surgical resection (bronchoscopic intervention group, n = 51); and other treatments group (n = 14). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) after the first treatment. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed according to the clinical stage. ResultsAmong the 181 patients, 104 (57.5%) patients were diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 71 (39.2%) with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and 6 (3.3%) with epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. In the surgery group, 21 patients underwent bronchoscopic intervention as a bridge therapy before surgery because of respiratory distress. Poor OS was associated with older age, the existence of other malignancy, higher clinical stages, larger tumor size, and non-surgical treatments. Lower PFS was associated with ACC, larger tumor size, and non-surgical treatments. The surgery group had the best OS and PFS among all treatment groups. However, there was no significant difference in the OS between the surgery and bronchoscopic intervention groups (p = 0.66) in patients at high clinical stages. ConclusionsSurgical resection was the best initial treatment choice. However, bronchoscopic intervention may be useful as the initial treatment in patients at high clinical stage and as a bridge therapy prior to surgery.

Microbiological Status as a Factor of Airway Complications After Lung Transplantation

BackgroundLung transplantation (LTx) is the only treatment for patients with end-stage lung disease. This procedure is associated with a risk of complications related to airway stenosis, which can be treated by means of bronchoscopic interventions (BI). Microbiological colonization may have an impact on airway complications. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of presence of microbiological pathogens in graft among lung recipients and frequency of BI, considered as the indicator of severe complications. Materials and MethodsThe study design was single-center retrospective cohort research; cases of 116 patients with complete microbiological data who underwent LTx from April 2013 to June 2019 were reviewed (70.3% of transplanted patients). All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 25.0 and R 3.5.3. For analyses involving the number of bronchoscopy interventions, univariate and multivariate Poisson regression were used. Interaction effect of variables in multivariate Poisson regression was assessed with partial response plot. ResultsThe mean number of pathogens colonizing each patient was approximately 4.66 (range, 0 to 19) with Candida albicans (n = 42, 36.2%), Aspergillus spp. (n = 33, 28.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 32, 27.59%), and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (n = 29, 25%) being the most prominent. Microbiological agents causing the greatest increase in the risk of intervention are as follows: Proteus mirabilis by 3.84 times, Aspergillus spp. by 3.53 times, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia by 3.09 times. Burkholderia multivorans, Enterococcus spp., and Klebsiella spp. do not have a statistically significant impact on the number of BI. ConclusionsSome pathogens increase the frequency of complications, which are associated with deterioration of the general condition. Therefore, patients should be monitored for the presence of pathogens in the airways.

Impact of Cold Ischemia Time on Frequency of Airway Complications Among Lung Transplant Recipients

BackgroundThe cold ischemia time (CIT) is a period of time between harvesting an organ for transplant and its reperfusion just after implantation. CIT may have an impact on frequency of complications after lung transplant that can be treated by means of bronchoscopic intervention. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between CIT and frequency of bronchoscopic intervention. MethodsThe retrospective study consists of 91 patients: 22 single lung recipients (24%) and 69 double lung recipients (76%) who underwent lung transplant from March 2012 to June 2019. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS 25.0 and R 3.5.3. The P levels less than .05 were deemed statistically significant. ResultsThe average CIT in single lung transplant was 5.91 hours, and in double lung transplant it was 8.61 hours. For the 4- to 8-hour CIT the percentages were 80.95% for single lung recipients and 46.38% for double lung recipients. For CIT longer than 8 hours, the following percentages were observed: 9.53% in single lung transplant and 53.62% in double lung transplant. Each subsequent hour of CIT exponentially increases the risk of intervention 1505 times (50.05%). ConclusionsProlonged CIT seems to be a risk factor for airway complication, especially in the double lung recipient group.

Thoracic Ultrasound for Immediate Exclusion of Pneumothorax after Interventional Bronchoscopy.

Background. Pneumothorax is a common side effect in interventional pulmonology. The ideal moment for detection with chest X-ray or ultrasound has not yet been defined. Earlier studies demonstrated the utility of performing these tests with a certain delay, which always results in a potentially dangerous gap. Methods. We prospectively enrolled patients with pulmonary interventions at increased risk of pneumothorax. Thoracic ultrasound was performed immediately after the intervention and at the moment of chest X-ray with a delay up to two hours. Results: Overall, we detected four pneumothoraxes in 115 procedures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 75%, 100%, 100%, 99%, 99% for ultrasound and 75%, 90%, 21%, 99% und 89% for chest X-ray respectively. All pneumothoraces requiring chest tube were sufficiently detected by both methods. Conclusion. Thoracic ultrasound when performed immediately can more accurately exclude pneumothorax after interventional bronchoscopy when compared to chest X-ray. Further ultrasound examinations are unnecessary.

Chemo-photodynamic therapy by pulmonary delivery of gefitinib nanoparticles and 5-aminolevulinic acid for treatment of primary lung cancer of rats.

Lung cancer is a severe disease with high mortality. Chemotherapy is one major treatment for lung cancer. However, systemic chemotherapeutics usually distribute throughout the body without specific lung distribution so that serious side effects are unavoidable. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is occasionally used for lung cancer treatment but photosensitizers are also systemically administered and the bronchoscopic intervention under anesthesia may hurt lung tissues. Here, we combined inhaled chemotherapeutics and photosensitizers for chemo-photodynamic therapy (CPDT) of primary lung cancer of rats with external laser light irradiation. Gefitinib PLGA nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared. The anti-cancer effects of GNPs and/or a common photosensitizer 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) were explored on A549 cells (adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells) and primary lung cancer rats after intratracheal administration. External light irradiation was applied due to its higher safety compared to internal light irradiation that may result in injuries after a laser optic fiber was intubated into the lung. The remarkable synergistic effect of CPDT was confirmed although the single therapies were also effective, where the high anti-lung cancer effects were shown and some typical lung cancer markers, including CD31, VEGF, NF-κB p65 and Bcl-2, significantly decreased. Moreover, the treatments attenuated inflammation with the downregulation of TNF-α. The combination of pulmonary drug delivery and chemo-photodynamic therapy is a promising strategy for treatment of lung cancer.

Bronchoscopic interventions for severe emphysema: Where are we now?

Patients with severe emphysema have limited treatment options and only derive a small benefit from optimal medical treatment. The only other therapy to have significant clinical beneficial effect in emphysema is LVRS but the perceived risk and invasiveness of surgery has fuelled bronchoscopic approaches to induce lung volume reduction. There are multiple bronchoscopic methods for achieving volume reduction in severe emphysema: EBV, airway bypass procedure, endobronchial coils, thermal (vapour) sclerosis and chemical sclerosis (sealants). Optimal patient selection is key to successful patient outcomes. This review discusses bronchoscopic approaches for emphysema treatment which has progressed through clinical trials to clinical practice.

Imaging Evaluation of Airway Complications After Lung Transplant.

Airway complications (ACs) after lung transplant remain a challenge and include bronchial dehiscence, bronchial stenosis, tracheobronchomalacia, infections, and bronchial fistulas. The spectrum of complications may coexist along a continuum and can be classified as early (<1 month after transplant) or late (>1 month), and anastomotic or nonanastomotic. Bronchiolitis obliterans is the most common form of chronic lung allograft rejection. Airway compromise is seen in rare instances of lung torsion, and imaging may provide helpful diagnostic clues. Computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy play major roles in the diagnosis and treatment of ACs after lung transplant. Chest CT with advanced postprocessing techniques is a valuable tool in evaluating for airways complications, for initial bronchoscopic treatment planning and subsequent posttreatment assessment. Various bronchoscopic treatment options may be explored to maintain airway patency. The goal of this article is to review imaging findings of ACs after lung transplantation, with emphasis on chest CT and bronchoscopic correlation.

Airway complications after lung transplantation: benefit of a conservative bronchoscopy strategy.

BackgroundAfter lung transplantation (LT), between 2% and 25% of bronchial anastomoses develop complications requiring therapeutic intervention. The status of healing of both bronchial anastomoses and downhill airways are well described by the French consensual MDS standardized grading system (Macroscopic, Diameter, Suture). We analyzed risks factors for airway complications (AC) after transplantation and the way we managed them. We report here our challenging method of early rigid bronchoscopic intervention with airway stenting on bronchial healing.MethodsAll single center consecutives LTs were retrospectively analyzed between 2010–2016. Patient-level data (demographic, peri-operative data) and anastomosis-level data (surgical parameters, bronchoscopy findings) were monitored. The incidence and contributive factors of ACs are reported. We also reported modalities of the conservative treatment and outcome.ResultsA total of 121 LTs were performed, 39 single-lung and 82 bilateral sequential LT. Main indication for LT were cystic fibrosis (45%) and emphysema (25%) and 58 were male patients (n=70). After a waiting period of healing, 28 patients presented AC on 41 anastomoses (prevalence: 23%). A multivariate analysis found as contributive factors of ACs, post-operative infection by Aspergillus [odds ratio (OR) 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–6.75; P=0.033] at the patient level, and at the anastomosis level, emphysema (OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.02–5.6; P=0.045), early dehiscence (OR 11.2, 95% CI: 1.7–76; P=0.01) and cold ischemia time >264 min (OR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.08–5.6; P=0.03). All the 41 ACs were managed conservatively with rigid bronchoscopy (range, 1–10), 41 stents (21 in silicone and 20 fully-covered Silicone Expandable Metallic Stents) without major complication. Two AC were still under regular bronchoscopic care and silicone stenting for long left bronchus reason. No surgical intervention was needed. The 2-years overall survival rate where not different between AC group and controls, respectively 85% and 81%.ConclusionsAirway healing after transplantation remains a scalable process and the French consensual MDS classification helped us for therapeutic decisions. Rigid bronchoscopy and safety use of current stenting devices may have the pivotal role in the conservative management of ACs, avoiding perilous situation of surgery for AC. Despite a high rate of AC, their favorable evolution may be explained by the cautious care of airway healing and maybe by the use of the Celsior antioxidant solution.

Endobronchial lesions cases treated with interventional bronchoscopic techniques: Our single-center experiences.

In this study, we aimed to present our experience with interventional bronchoscopy in the treatment of endobronchial lesions in our clinic. Between January 2010 and December 2018, a total of 18 patients (11 males, 7 females; mean age 55.1 years; range, 17 to 82 years) who were diagnosed with an endobronchial lesion using bronchoscopy in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, bronchoscopic procedure, location of the lesion, pathological diagnosis, treatment approaches, success of the bronchoscopic treatment, and follow-up outcomes of the patients were evaluated. Control bronchoscopy was performed in 14 patients and a second control bronchoscopy was performed in eight patients. The lesions were located in the right bronchial system in nine (50%), in the left bronchial system in six (33%), and in the trachea in three patients (17%). Except for one pregnant patient, all interventional procedures were performed with a rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. Distal areas which were unable to be reached with the rigid bronchoscope were evaluated by a flexible bronchoscope. There were no complications in any of the patients. At the end of the study, the final control biopsies of all patients were found to be normal. The success rate of interventional bronchoscopic methods was 100%. Interventional bronchoscopic methods are the most effective procedures in the diagnosis and treatment of bronchial lesions with a high success rate. Based on our study findings, we suggest that bronchoscopic methods should be preferred as the first-line treatment of benign and selected some malignant endobronchial lesions.

Cardio-Pulmonary Changes After Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction with Endobronchial One-Way Valves.

To evaluate the cardio-pulmonary hemodynamics changes before and after valve treatment, and their correlation with lobe volume reduction. This retrospective multicentre study included consecutive patients undergoing bronchoscopic valve treatment for heterogeneous emphysema. In addition to standard functional evaluation, patients underwent cardiac evaluation by Doppler trans-thoracic echocardiography. The difference in respiratory and cardio-pulmonary hemodynamics indexes before and 3-month after the procedure, and their relationship with changes in lobar volume were evaluated. Seventy-seven patients were included in the study; of these 13 (17%) presented pulmonary hypertension. Only patients with target lobar volume reduction ≥ 563mL (n = 50) presented a significant improvement of forced expiratory volume in one second, residual volume, 6min-walk test, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score; a significant reduction of pulmonary artery pressure, and an improvement of left and right ventricle end-systolic volume; of left and right ventricle end-diastolic volume, and of left and right ventricle stroke volume. The change in residual volume was significantly correlated with changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (r = 0.68; p < 0.001); in 6min-walk test (r = 0.71; p < 0.001); in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (r = 0.54; p < 0.001); in pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.39; p = 0.001), in left (r = 0.28; p = 0.01) and right (r = 0.33; p = 0.002) ventricle end-systolic volume, in left (r = - 0.29; p = 0.008) and right (r = - 0.34; p = 0.007) end-diastolic volume, and in left (r = - 0.76; p = 0.009) and right (r = - 0.718; p = 0.001) ventricle stroke volume. Bronchoscopic valve treatment seemed to have positive effects on cardio-pulmonary hemodynamics, and these changes were correlated with reductions of lobar volume.

High-flow Nasal Oxygen Versus Standard Oxygen During Flexible Bronchoscopy in Lung Transplant Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Diagnostic and interventional flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is increasingly utilized in complex and high-risk patients. Patients are often sedated for comfort and procedure facilitation and hypoxia is commonly observed in this setting. We hypothesized that high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) would reduce the incidence of patients experiencing oxygen desaturation. In this randomized controlled trial, postlung transplant patients booked for FB with transbronchial lung biopsy were assigned to either HFNO or low-flow nasal oxygen (LFNO). The patient and bronchoscopist were blinded to group allocation. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing mild desaturation [peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2)<94%]. Secondary endpoints included desaturation (SpO2<90%), the number of airway interventions required and procedure interruptions, the duration of oxygen desaturation and patient, bronchoscopist and anesthesiologist satisfaction scores. The trial analyzed data from 76 patients (LFNO, n=39; HFNO, n=37). HFNO reduced the proportion of patients experiencing SpO2<94% (43.2% vs. 89.7%, P<0.001) and SpO2<90% (16.2% vs. 69.2%, P<0.001). The FB was interrupted 11 times in 9 patients in the LFNO group, whereas there were no interruptions in the HFNO group. There were no differences in patient and bronchoscopist satisfaction scores between groups, anesthesiologists had higher satisfaction scores when using HFNO (P<0.001). Hypoxia occurred less commonly in postlung transplant patients receiving HFNO during FB. Further studies are warranted in other high-risk populations undergoing longer duration FB.

Bronchoscopic Treatment of Airway Obstructions With a Novel Electrosurgical Device.

Airway obstructions (AOs) in the central airway or lobar bronchi develop due to malignant or benign disease. Because of the morbidity and mortality associated with AO, it is important to develop additional therapeutic ablative techniques. CoreCath2.7S is a novel monopolar radiofrequency electrosurgical device approved to treat obstructions of the upper airway and tracheobronchial tree by both cutting soft tissue and providing electrosurgical hemostasis. We present a large case series describing its use. Retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with AO undergoing airway recanalization with CoreCath2.7S at 2 interventional pulmonology practices from October 2017 to May 2019. Demographic information, AO etiology, location, and degree, and therapeutic modalities used were recorded. Fifty-three patients underwent 64 procedures for AO due to malignant (n=30, 57%) or benign (n=23, 43%) disease. AOs were treated in the trachea (n=28), mainstem bronchi (n=23), and lobar bronchi (n=17). All AO occluded the airway at least 50%. Adjunctive therapeutic modalities were commonly used (n=60, 94%), including flexible cryoprobe (n=33), balloon dilation (n=23), rigid bronchoscopy (n=19), spray cryotherapy (n=19), argon plasma coagulation (n=14), and stenting (n=5). Restoration of airway patency was achieved in all cases without any periprocedural or immediate postprocedural complications. CoreCath2.7S was successfully used to treat patients with AO due to malignant or benign disease. Airway patency was restored with no periprocedural or immediate postprocedural complications. It should be considered as another therapeutic modality in the growing field of ablative techniques for the treatment of AO.

Real life results of coil treatment for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in emphysema.

The lung volume reduction coil treatment is a minimally invasive bronchoscopic treatment option for emphysema patients who suffer from severe hyperinflation. Previous studies have reported successful outcomes in selected cases using coil for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). Our aim is to determine the changes in respiratory function tests, perception of dyspnea and exercise capacities after 12 months in patients treated with endobronchial coil. The data of patients with severe emphysema and treated with coils between 2014-2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Dynamic and static lung volume capacities at baseline and 12 months, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire and six-minute walk test (6-MWT) results were recorded. BLVR was performed in thirty patients (one female, twenty-nine males). Five patients were treated bilaterally and twentyfive unilaterally. One patient died after 7 days and 4 patients died during follow-up. Five patients were lost to follow-up. A total of twenty patients with available data were included in the study. A statistically significant difference was found in mMRC results in pre-treatment and 12-month evaluations. There was no significant difference in FEV1, TLC and RV values at the end of 12 months. There was an increase of 18.9 meters (± 83.5 m) between the baseline and 12 months in 6-MWT. 45% of the patients improved their walking distance over 26 meters which is known as minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Although no significant changes were observed in pulmonary function tests and lung volumes, the increase in exercise capacity and decreased perception of dyspnea indicate the efficacy of endobronchial coil.

Nomogram for Prediction of Bronchial Mucus Plugs in Children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

The presence of bronchial mucus plugs (BMP) in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) results in delayed clinical and radiographic resolution and long-standing pulmonary sequelae. The predictive factors associated with BMP formation remains poorly defined. Nomograms to predict BMP presence in children with MPP were proposed using a cohort of patients who underwent bronchoscopy intervention at Children’s Hospital in Eastern China. Patients with MPP in an earlier period formed the training cohort (n = 872) for nomogram development, and those thereafter formed the validation cohort (n = 399) to confirmed model’s performance. BMP in children with MPP were found in 196 (22.5%) and 91(22.8%) patients in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The independent risk factors associated with BMP were age >5years (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.43 to 2.98), higher IL-10 level (>10 ng/L, 2.19; 95% CI 1.46 to 3.28), higher IFN-γ level (>30 ng/L, 1.69; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.54), and presence of complication (3.43; 95% CI 1.45 to 8.09). Incorporating these 4 factors, the nomogram achieved good concordance indexes of 0.771(95% CI, 0.734–0.808) and 0.796 (95% CI, 0.744–0.848) in predicting BMP in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The nomogram achieved an optimal prediction of BMP in children with MPP. Using this model, the risk of BMP formation would be determined, contributing to a rational therapeutic choice.

Prognostic factors for survival after bronchoscopic intervention in patients with airway obstruction due to primary pulmonary malignancy

BackgroundMalignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) occurs in 20–30% of patients with primary pulmonary malignancy. Although bronchoscopic intervention is widely performed to treat MCAO, little data exist on the prognosis of interventional bronchoscopy. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of bronchoscopic interventions in patients with MCAO due to primary pulmonary malignancy.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a university hospital and included 224 patients who received interventional bronchoscopy from 2004 to 2017, excluding patients with salivary gland-type tumor. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors associated with survival after the first bronchoscopic intervention.ResultsAmong 224 patients, 191 (85.3%) were males, and the median age was 63 years. The most common histological type of malignancy was squamous cell carcinoma (71.0%). Technical success was achieved in 93.7% of patients. Acute complications and procedure-related death occurred in 15.6 and 1.3% of patients, respectively. The median survival time was 7.0 months, and survival rates at one year and two years were 39.7 and 28.3%, respectively. Poor survival was associated with underlying chronic pulmonary disease, poor performance status, extended lesion, extrinsic or mixed lesion, and MCAO due to disease progression and not receiving adjuvant treatment after bronchoscopic intervention.ConclusionsInterventional bronchoscopy could be a safe and effective procedure for patients who have MCAO due to primary pulmonary malignancy. In addition, we found several prognostic factors for poor survival after intervention, which will help clinicians determine the best candidates for bronchoscopic intervention.