Endobronchial valve insertion to reduce lung volume in emphysema

The aim of insertion of endobronchial valves (also known as intrabronchial valves) to reduce lung volume in emphysema is to achieve atelectasis of selected lung segments. It uses an endoscopic approach, which is less invasive than open or thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery. Before the procedure, it is usual practice to assess the presence of collateral ventilation (when air enters a lobe of the lung through a passage that bypasses the normal airway). A surrogate for this is CT scanning to assess the completeness of fissures. A functional approach, specially developed for use before airway valve insertion, involves a specially designed balloon catheter with a flow sensor.

Endobronchial valve insertion is done with the patient under sedation or general anaesthesia. Using a delivery catheter passed through a bronchoscope, a synthetic valve is placed in the target location and fixed to the bronchial wall. The valve is designed to prevent air inflow during inspiration but to allow air and mucus to exit during expiration. Several valves may be needed (1 or more for each segment of the lung to be treated). Patients may sometimes be given antibiotics or corticosteroids. Two devices with different designs are available for interventional lung volume reduction – 1 is duckbill shaped and the other umbrella shaped.