Abstract

LOPEZ ARAOZ, Alberto. Management of pulmonary hyperinsuflation: Role of bronchoscopy. Rev. amer. med. respiratoria [online]. 2013, vol.13, n.1, pp.26-34. ISSN 1852-236X.

The National Trial on Treatment of Emphysema (NTTE) showed that the surgical reduction of the pulmonary volume was beneficial in selected patients with severe COPD. However, these benefits have to be assessed in comparison with the surgery-associated morbidity and mortality. This drawback led to searching a procedure which could offer the same benefits in terms of quality of life, tolerance to exercise and prolonged survival without the surgical risks. The bronchoscopic reduction of the pulmonary volume offers several alternatives in this direction. The development of unidirectional bronchial valves appears to be the most promising alternative. The key to the success of this procedure lies in the correct selection of patients. The heterogeneous variability of emphysema, the presence of complete interlobular cissures and the absence of collateral ventilation as shown by adequate techniques are the most important requirements for a successful result.

Keywords : COPD; Emphysema; Dynamichyperinflation; Bronchoscopy.

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