ADA-friendly PDF: Broncoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Physician Fact Sheet

Broncoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Physician Fact Sheet

For patients with emphysema and severe hyperinflation whose symptoms cannot be managed using medication or oxygen therapy alone, doctors may resort to surgical resection of the worse regions of emphysema to reduce air trapping and improve patient outcomes. Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) surgically removes damaged lung tissue to reduce hyperinflation, and redirects air to healthier lung regions. Although LVRS improves lung function, exercise performance, and quality of life, the need for surgical excision is perceived to have an acceptable risk of complications for many patients who would otherwise benefit from a lung reduction intervention. Temple Lung Center has led several clinical trials that have facilitated FDA approval of the newest lung reduction treatment for severe emphysema—Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) using endobronchial valves. Similar to LVRS in terms of the benefits of treatment, this approach reduces the complications and risks posed by LVRS. Temple was the first U.S. center to commercially perfrom BLVR using endobronchial valves, and is also a national clinical center of excellence for peer instruction in the selection and performance of BLVR.