Endobronchial one ‐way valve for persistent air leak and lung volume reduction

We describe a 66‐year‐old man with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who faile d assessments for BLVR because of the inability to perform the carbon monoxide diffusion test but subsequently had EBV deployed to his right upper lobe bronchi for persistent air leak complicating a spontaneous pneumothorax. Afterwards, there was subjective improvement in breathlessness, exercise ca pacity, and reduced frequency of exacerbations requiring hospitalization. Lung function parameters showed marked improvement. This case suggests that patients with compatible spirometric lung volume and computed tomography findings should proceed with BLVR. In addition, one should be aware of the po ssibility of improved lung function in patients with pulmonary emphysema following implantation of EBV for persistent air leak.
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research