Lung volume reduction procedures, which include endobronchial coils, valves or surgery, help improve lung function in COPD patients but do increase risk of adverse events, according to research published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine1 and reported by Healio.com.2

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials with more than 2,500 emphysema patients undergoing lung volume reduction via surgery, endobronchial valve, endobronchial coil, or sclerosing agents.1

According to the study, following lung volume reduction from any of the interventions:1

  • Reduction in residual volume was 0.58 L
  • FEV1 increased 15.87%
  • 6MWT improvement of 43.28 meters
  • Reduction in the SGRQ of 9.39 points

However, odds ratio for a severe adverse event (including mortality) was 6.21 following intervention, according to the study.1

According to Healio,2 researchers concluded that the study confirms LVR interventions leads to improvements in lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life. However, endobronchial valves and surgery are primary options while endobronchial coils, AeriSeal, and vapor treatment are secondary options, based on clinical results, Healio reported.2

  1. Surgical and endoscopic interventions that reduce lung volume for emphysema: a systemic review and meta-analysis. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(18)30431-4/fulltext
  2. Lung volume reduction confers clinical benefit in emphysema. https://www.healio.com/pulmonology/emphysema/news/online/%7Bf0c96189-4a25-4216-bdf6-9004080aaa0f%7D/lung-volume-reduction-confers-clinical-benefit-in-emphysema