Endobronchial Coil Placement Can Improve Symptoms in Severe Emphysema

In highly selected patients with emphysema, lung-volume–reduction surgery can improve quality of life and lengthen survival (NEJM JW Gen Med Ju1 1 2003 and N Engl J Med 2003; 348:2059). To prevent surgical morbidity, investigators have pursued various bronchoscopic strategies for lung-volume reduction (e.g., one-way valves, biologic sealants, endobronchial coils; NEJM JW Gen Med Jan 15 2016 and N Engl J Med 2015; 373:2325). Although small studies of coils have suggested a benefit, results have not been definitive. Investigators in France randomized 100 patients with severe emphysema and marked hyperinflation (mean residual volume, 270% of predicted) to usual care or bronchoscopic coil placement under general anesthesia (average duration, 54…