COPD – Endobronchial valve therapy

In this video, Dr Nicholas Wilsmore (Respiratory & Sleep Physician) provides an overview of endobronchial valve therapy for people living with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dr Wilsmore answers some of the commonly asked questions on endobronchial valves. Chapters include gas trapping and hyperinflaction, the benefits and risks of endobronchial valve therapy, eligibility criteria and test needed to quality for endobronchial valve therapy, and the steps that patients can take to get a referral.

Endobronchial valve therapy is a non-surgical procedure involves involves the placement of small, one-way valves in the airways of the lungs to block airflow to diseased parts of the lung, allowing healthier areas to function more effectively.

The primary goal of endobronchial valve therapy is to reduce hyperinflation, a condition where air gets trapped in the lungs, making it difficult for patients to breathe. By blocking airflow to the damaged areas, the valves help to collapse these regions, reducing their volume and allowing the healthier parts of the lung to expand and function better. This can lead to significant improvements in breathing, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life for patients with severe COPD.

Patient selection is crucial for the success of this therapy. Candidates for endobronchial valve therapy typically have severe COPD with significant symptoms despite optimal medical treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation. A thorough assessment by a respiratory physician is essential to determine eligibility and ensure the best possible outcomes.

The procedure is performed using a bronchoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and instruments, which is inserted through the mouth or nose into the airways. The valves are then placed in the targeted airways, blocking airflow to the diseased lung regions. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically requires a short hospital stay for monitoring and recovery.

While endobronchial valve therapy offers many benefits, it is not without risks. Potential complications include pneumothorax (collapsed lung), worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), pneumonia, and dyspnoea (shortness of breath). However, with careful patient selection and proper post-procedure care, these risks can be minimised.