Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR)
Innovative endoscopic treatment for emphysema
The bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) procedure is an innovative way to treat patients with emphysema using bronchoscopic technology.
Understanding Emphysema
Emphysema is a disease of the lungs caused by cigarette smoking and/or genetic conditions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Emphysema leads to obstruction of airflow in the lungs, which can result in difficulty breathing.
Some patients with advanced emphysema suffer from lung hyperinflation. This means the lungs are stretched beyond their normal capacity. Signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Low oxygen levels
Your doctor will do a series of tests to determine if you meet criteria for valve treatment. BLVR is advised for patients with emphysema who have significant symptoms despite maximum medical treatment. Patients who are actively smoking are not considered candidates for the procedure until they have quit smoking for at least 6 months.
How is the BLVR procedure performed?
BLVR is a minimally invasive procedure where a provider inserts valves into a lobe of your lungs selected for treatment. This procedure is called a bronchoscopy. It is performed under either moderate sedation or general anesthesia. It takes around an hour to complete.
While you are asleep, the doctor will use a thin, flexible scope to go down into your throat and lungs. One-way valves are then placed into the lungs through the bronchoscope to achieve lung deflation.
Once the valves are placed, they can be removed if needed. An initial X-ray of the lungs is taken while you are still asleep to assess for any complications from the procedure.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Yes. You will be admitted for a minimum of three nights’ stay in the hospital after BLVR procedure for safe monitoring as the valves work to deflate your lung.
After the procedure your medical team will order serial chest X-rays to ensure the valves are positioned correctly and working properly.
The day of the procedure you will be kept on bed rest. However, the day after the procedure we will encourage you to be up and out of bed to assess your breathing and exercise capacity.
What happens when I go home? Going back to work?
When you go home, you will be given instructions to follow for the next month. We will provide education about signs and symptoms to watch out for as you make your recovery.
You will resume all home medications when you go home unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
You are not placed under restrictions after discharge from the hospital. But for many patients we do recommend resuming pulmonary rehabilitation after your procedure to ensure greatest benefit. You can return to light-duty work the day after your discharge. If you need a note for your profession, please ask your doctor.
Will I need to come back for more testing?
Yes. You will need to come back in-person monthly for at least the first three months after the BLVR procedure, with further follow-up based on individual needs. Follow-up testing may include:
- Chest X-ray
- Chest CT scan
- Pulmonary function testing (PFTs)
- Six-minute walk testing
- Bronchoscopy
These tests are many of the same tests that you had done to qualify for the procedure. Follow-up is essential to ensuring safe recovery from the procedure.
Your doctor will discuss the findings of any testing with you during follow-up visits.
After Your BLVR Procedure
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Yes. You will be admitted for a minimum of three nights’ stay in the hospital after BLVR procedure for safe monitoring as the valves work to deflate your lung.
After the procedure your medical team will order serial chest X-rays to ensure the valves are positioned correctly and working properly.
The day of the procedure you will be kept on bed rest. However, the day after the procedure we will encourage you to be up and out of bed to assess your breathing and exercise capacity.
What happens when I go home? Going back to work?
When you go home, you will be given instructions to follow for the next month. We will provide education about signs and symptoms to watch out for as you make your recovery.
You will resume all home medications when you go home unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
You are not placed under restrictions after discharge from the hospital. But for many patients we do recommend resuming pulmonary rehabilitation after your procedure to ensure greatest benefit. You can return to light-duty work the day after your discharge. If you need a note for your profession, please ask your doctor.
Will I need to come back for more testing?
Yes. You will need to come back in-person monthly for at least the first three months after the BLVR procedure, with further follow-up based on individual needs. Follow-up testing may include:
- Chest X-ray
- Chest CT scan
- Pulmonary function testing (PFTs)
- Six-minute walk testing
- Bronchoscopy
These tests are many of the same tests that you had done to qualify for the procedure. Follow-up is essential to ensuring safe recovery from the procedure.
Your doctor will discuss the findings of any testing with you during follow-up visits.
