Efficiency and Reliability of Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Coil Application in Patients with Severe Emphysema.

Objectives: In the past years, surgery has been used for the non-medical treatment of severe emphysema. However, in recent years, bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (LVR) treatment has become more preferred because it is less invasive. Bronchoscopic coil treatment is the most frequently applied technique among these methods. The aim of the investigation was to determine the efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic volume reduction coil treatment for patients with severe emphysema.

Methods: The patients who were performed bronchial volume reduction coil treatment between 2015 and 2017 and were followed in our outpatient clinic were retrospectively examined. They were followed for 1 year at quarterly intervals after the procedure. All the safety and efficacy of the patient's records, including the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea score, the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) quality of life scale, the 6 min walk distance (6-MWT), pulmonary function tests, and adverse events, were evaluated.

Results: Sixteen patients were included in the study. The mean of the preoperative mMRC clinic dyspnea score was 3.38, the mean of the 3rd month's mMRC score was 2.62 (p=0.007), and the mean of the 12th month's mMRC was 2.37 (p=0.003). The preoperative SGRQ quality of life parameter was 71.95±15.7, the 3 month was 66.7±16.2 (p=0.007), and the 12 month was 62.9±16.4 (p=0.003). Preoperative mean of 6-MWT was 247.25±112.36 m, 3 month 264.25±95 m (p=0.148), and 12 month 317±122.9 m (p=0.034). Patients' preoperative residual volume was 5.28±1.96 L, 3 month 4.52±1.35 L (p=0.023), and 12 month 4.545±1.83 L (p=0.163). Patients' preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second, respectively, was 0.79±0.29 L, 3 month 0.79±0.3 L (p=0.917), and 12 month 0.86±0.3 L (p=0.756).

Conclusion: It seems that bronchoscopic LVR coil treatment, which is an effective and reliable procedure that reduces shortness of breath rather than respiratory function test parameters and improves the quality of daily life, will become even more widespread.