@article {Song1351, author = {Liqiang Song and Feng Zhao and Xinyu Ti and Weiqiang Chen and Gaowen Wang and Changgui Wu and Yan Li}, title = {Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction For Pulmonary Emphysema: Preliminary Experience With Endobronchial Occluder}, volume = {58}, number = {8}, pages = {1351--1359}, year = {2013}, doi = {10.4187/respcare.02218}, publisher = {Respiratory Care}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To describe the self-expanding endobronchial occluder, as utilized in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, with a 36 month follow-up procedure. METHODS: Twenty-three subjects with severe emphysema were recruited and underwent flexible bronchoscopic placement of self-expanding endobronchial occluders. Outcomes were assessed at 1 week, 1-month, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month intervals. Feasibility, safety, and efficacy were analyzed by means of pulmonary function testing, 6-min walk test, dyspnea score, BODE (body mass index, air-flow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index, and St George{\textquoteright}s Respiratory Questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-eight self-expanding endobronchial occluders were implanted into 23 lobes previously selected. No displacement was found during the follow-up. Five subjects experienced postoperative complications of cough, and 6 subjects had lobar pneumonia, which were not located in any of the blocked segments. The FEV1 in 18 subjects was improved by \> 15\%, compared with baselines (P \< .001), and the mean first efficacy time and maximal efficacy time were 5.65 {\textpm} 1.51 months and 6.35 {\textpm} 3.08 months, respectively. No significant changes were observed in FVC or the ratio of residual volume to TLC. The 6-min walk distance, dyspnea score, and St George{\textquoteright}s Respiratory Questionnaire total score were improved in 22 subjects over a 24-month period, and a minority of subjects continued to improve through to the end of the study. Mean baseline BODE index had improved during follow-up, but not at the study{\textquoteright}s conclusion. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study demonstrates early significant improvements in pulmonary function, 6-min walk distance, dyspnea score, BODE index, and quality of life after placement of the self-expanding endobronchial occluder in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction. Its placement also proved both easy and safe. However, the initial improvements were maintained long-term for only a minority of subjects.}, issn = {0020-1324}, URL = {https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/58/8/1351}, eprint = {https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/58/8/1351.full.pdf}, journal = {Respiratory Care} }