Lung Denervation for Advanced COPD: Basics and Beyond

摘要

Purpose of Review This review highlights lung denervation procedure as a potential bronchoscopic treatment for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent Findings To date, clinical studies of bronchoscopic TLD for patients with COPD proved feasibility, demonstrated a good safety profile, established a therapeutic dose of energy, and identified a potential effectiveness outcome. The AIRFLOW-2, multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded trial showed fewer respiratory adverse events, including hospitalization for COPD exacerbation in patients treated with TLD. TLD of the parasympathetic airway nerves appears to be safe and shows favorable clinical outcomes in patients with advanced COPD. Results of the ongoing clinical trial and long-term follow-up of previously treated patients will provide more information on the efficacy and durability of TLD in the management of this challenging group of patient.