From plugging air leaks to reducing lung volume: a review of the many uses of endobronchial valves

IntroductionOne-way endobronchial valve treatment improves lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of live in patients with severe emphysema and hyperinflation. Other areas of therapeutic application include treatment of persistent air leak (PAL), giant emphysematous bullae, native lung hyperinflation, hemoptysis, and tuberculosis.Areas coveredIn this review, we will assess the clinical evidence and safety of the different applications of one-way endobronchial valves (EBV).Expert opinionThere is solid clinical evidence for the use of one-way EBV for lung volume reduction in emphysema. Treatment with one-way EBV can be considered for the treatment of PAL. The application of one-way EBV for giant bullae, post lung transplant native lung hyperinflation, hemoptysis, and tuberculosis is under investigation and more research is required to investigate the efficacy and safety of these applications.

Automated summary

One-way endobronchial valve treatment is effective for improving lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with severe emphysema and hyperinflation. It can also be used for the treatment of persistent air leak, giant emphysematous bullae, native lung hyperinflation, hemoptysis, and tuberculosis.