Bronchoscopic Treatment of Emphysema and Persistent Air Leak

Chronic obstructive lung disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Over the past two decades, attempts have been undertaken to improve the pulmonary status in patients with emphysema by performing lung volume reduction surgeries. Over these past decades, several bronchoscopic techniques have been proposed for lung volume reduction surgery, which include endobronchial valves, silicone balloons, Watanabe spigots, artificial accessory airways and endobronchial coils, to name a few. In addition, the endobronchial valve has been used to treat persistent air leaks. In the current article we will briefly discuss bronchoscopic techniques and devices for the treatment of the condition mentioned above.