Introduction: The goal of our systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the therapeutic effectiveness of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), and to compare it with medical management and lung volume reduction surgery.
Methods: Variables of interest were absolute change in FEV1, 6MWT, and SGRQ. Meta-analysis was performed for the BLVR modalities with ≥3 trials. Of the 18 shortlisted publications, only valves (four trials; n = 159) and coils (six trials; n = 194) qualified for meta-analysis. To avoid redundant reporting for valves, only the data for intact fissure subjects were analyzed. Outcome data are presented as the mean difference from baseline with 95% confidence interval at 6-months follow-up.
Results: For BLVR using valves, the pooled mean difference (PMD) for FEV1 was 0.146 L (95% CI 0.111-0.181; p < 0.001), 6MWT was 45.225 meters (95% CI 26.954-63.495; p < 0.001), and SGRQ was -8.825 points (95% CI -14.824 to -2.825; p = 0.004). All the PMDs were statistically significant and higher than their respective minimal clinically important difference (MCID). For BLVR using coils, the PMD for FEV1 was 0.080 L (95% CI 0.057-0.104; p < 0.001), 6MWT was 45.320 meters (95% CI 28.040-62.600; p < 0.001), and SGRQ was -10.570 points (95% CI -13.299 to -7.841; p < 0.001). All three variables showed statistically significant PMDs but that for FEV1 was smaller than the MCID. Data from BLVR modalities with <3 major publications are reviewed in the discussion section.
Conclusions: BLVR offers early promise in the palliation of advanced emphysema. Better characterization of patients to identify phenotypes that will derive sustained benefit is needed.
Keywords: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR); COPD; Emphysema; Endoscopic lung volume reduction; Lung volume reduction.