Vapour for lung volume reduction; pros and cons.

Vapour for lung volume reduction; pros and cons. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2020 Sep 01;: Authors: Zarogoulidis P, Hohenforst-Schmidt W, Huang H, Sapalidis K, Kosmidis C, Tryfon S, Vagionas A, Tsakiridis K, Drevelegas K, Freitag L Abstract INTRODUCTION: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a novel approach for treatment of emphysema. Several techniques are available to accomplish BLVR including Bronchoscopic Vapour Thermal Ablation (BVTA). This technique is easy to perform and considered safe due to its gradual effect. We discuss BTVA in detail in this editorial.Areas covered: We discuss our experience with BTVA in detail including patient selection, equipment, procedure, post-procedural care and complications. We also review the literature to determine the pros and cons for its use. Other modalities such as endobronchial valves, coils and lung sealants are also briefly discussed.Expert opinion: Vapour ablation is a novel and safe approach in inducing lung volume reduction in emphysema patients. The effects are gradual, and therefore potentially making it safer than other minimally invasive modalities. Pneumonitis and infection are common side effects. Just as in other BLVR techniques, a case by case evaluation is needed to determine the right candidate for BTVA. Further larger studies are needed before BTVA becomes standard of care in treatment of patients with emphysema. PMID: 32870725 [PubMed - as supplied by publishe...
Source: Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine - Category: Respiratory Medicine Tags: Expert Rev Respir Med Source Type: research