Volumetric and scintigraphic changes following endoscopic lung volume reduction

Bronchoscopic treatment of emphysema represents an emerging therapeutic modality for advanced emphysematous lung destruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Within the proposed techniques for endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR), a significant amount of experience exists for the placement of endobronchial valves (EBV) (Zephyr® valves; Pulmonx, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA) targeting atelectasis of the treated, emphysematous lobe [1, 2]. However, post-procedural clinical improvement has also been documented in patients lacking lobar exclusion 3. While volumetric and density adaptations following ELVR have repeatedly been a focus [3, 4], the interaction of volume and perfusional/ventilatory changes remains unclear. In this observational study, we defined the extent of interdependency of ELVR-mediated volumetric and scintigraphic adaptations. EBV treatment reduces target lobe volume, ventilation and perfusion with consistent redistributive pattern <http://ow.ly/C95Ue>