[Placement of one-way endobronchial valves to treat severe pulmonary emphysema in an 84-year-old].
An 84-year-old man with end-stage emphysema was hospitalised on two occasions because of an episode of severe COPD exacerbation, each time successfully treated in a classical pharmacological manner. Further analysis of a high-resolution CT chest scan revealed very pronounced destruction of the lung parenchyma in the left lower lobe. Moreover, the degree of destruction in the left lung was of a highly heterogeneous nature and fissure analysis revealed a complete left major fissure. After carefully weighing up the costs against the benefits, two one-way valves of different sizes were implanted in the orifices of the left lower lobe using video bronchoscopy. This intervention had a very satisfactory outcome with positive changes in the lung function parameters, imaging studies and quality of life. The inevitable placement in a nursing home could consequently be postponed and, at follow-up one year later, no exacerbation or pneumonia had developed since the intervention.
Carron
Kris O M
KO
Heilig Hartziekenhuis Roeselare-Menen, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Roeselare, Menen, België. kris.carron@hotmail.com
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome