Expeditious Resolution of Giant Bullae with Endobronchial Valves and Percutaneous Catheter Insertion
10.3349/ymj.2022.63.2.195
- Author:
Yunjoo IM
1
;
Byeong-Ho JEONG
;
Hye Yun PARK
;
Tae Sung KIM
;
Hojoong KIM
Author Information
1. Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2022;63(2):195-198
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
As bullae contribute to decreased lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, effective decompression of large bullae is important. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction via endobronchial one-way valves is less invasive and has a lower mortality rate than lung volume reduction surgery. We report the case of a 48-year-old male who presented with giant bullae that were expeditiously resolved with endobronchial valves and percutaneous catheter insertion. Three days later, imaging revealed marked decreases in the extent of bullae and atelectasis of the contralateral lung without any complications, including air leakage or pneumothorax. Combination of endobronchial valves and percutaneous catheter insertion might be helpful to accelerate the release of large bullae and to achieve improved lung function and higher levels of physical activity in patients with COPD.
