Early and late complications of lung volume reduction coil therapies

Abstract

Introduction: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction coil (LVRC) therapy is a non-invasive procedure with potential complications in the early and late follow-up period. Aims and Objectives: The main objective of this study is to determine the incidence of complications in LVRC therapies (during the procedure, and follow-up), and to discuss treatment options. Methods: Forty-five patients who underwent bilateral LVRC treatment for severe emphysema between 2013 and 2015 were included in the study. We retrospectively evaluated the files of all patients, and the study was done in a single pneumology center in Turkey. Results: The most common observed complications during the procedure were mild bleeding (24.4%). Pneumothorax was seen (2.3%) in one patient. The procedure was postponed in 2 patients (4.4%) due to hemodynamic changes during the procedure. In general, the most common complication was COPD exacerbation (26.6%) and procedure related pneumonitis or pneumonia (13.3%) in the follow-up period. Conclusions: Preventive therapies are routinely performed after the procedure, but a common consensus is needed to define risk factors, prevent and manage the complications. In addition, we think that it would be more beneficial to use the percentages as per procedures or per patients in the identification of complications.