Short term outcome of lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves in emphysema patients with a very low diffusion capacity

Introduction: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (EBV) has been shown to improve lung function and quality of life (QoL) in emphysema patients with severe hyperinflation. Because of increased mortality rates in surgical LVR, patients with a diffusing capacity (DLCO) lower than 20%pred are often excluded from BLVR-treatment. Aims and Objectives: To explore whether EBV treatment in emphysema patients with a DLCO <20%pred can lead to improved outcomes, and whether there is an increased mortality risk. Methods: This single-center retrospective analysis included COPD patients with a DLCO < 20%pred who underwent EBV treatment and visited our hospital 45 days after treatment. Results: Ten patients with severe COPD (9 female, median age 67 (59-78) years, median FEV1 0.56 (0.41-0.97)L, median DLCO 17.4 (14.5-19.6)%pred) were analyzed. No patients died during the 45 day follow up. Treatment outcome data are shown in table 1. Conclusion: Short term follow up of COPD patients with a DLCO<20%pred who underwent bronchoscopic lung volume reduction treatment with EBV showed statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement of QoL and lung function, without increased mortality.