Endobronchial valve therapy for emphysema improves lung function and quality of life, finds research

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society revealed the long-term efficacy of the Spiration Valve System (SVS) in treating severe heterogeneous emphysema. The EMPROVE study was conducted over a 24-month period that marks a significant advancement in understanding and managing this debilitating respiratory condition. EMPROVE trial is one of the first rigorous comparison between treatment and control groups over an extended follow-up period.

The findings from EMPROVE paint a promising picture for emphysema patients. The patients receiving SVS treatment demonstrated a remarkable and sustained improvement in lung function measured by the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), even after 24 months. Also, significant enhancements in quality-of-life (QOL) measures were observed, including the marked improvements in respiratory symptoms and reduced dyspnea when compared to the control group.

The absence of significant adverse events associated with SVS treatment was a remarkable finding of this study. Despite the prevailing concerns about potential complications, the incidence of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and pneumothorax remained low and comparable between the treatment and control groups.

The durability of SVS treatment demonstrated in this study offers hope for the patients with emphysema who seek long-lasting relief from their symptoms. These results validate the effectiveness of endobronchial valve therapy, and also they highlight its safety and potential to transform the management of severe emphysema.

Research:

Criner, G. J., Mallea, J. M., Abu-Hijleh, M., Sachdeva, A., Kalhan, R., Hergott, C. A., Lazarus, D. R., Mularski, R. A., Calero, K., Reed, M. F., Nsiah-Dosu, S., Himes, D., Kubo, H., Kinsey, C. M., Majid, A., Hogarth, D. K., Kaplan, P. V., Case, A. H., Makani, S. S., … Shepherd, R. W. (2024). Sustained Clinical Benefits of Spiration Valve System in Patients with Severe Emphysema: 24-Month Follow-Up of EMPROVE. In Annals of the American Thoracic Society (Vol. 21, Issue 2, pp. 251–260). American Thoracic Society. https://doi.org/10.1513/annalsats.202306-520oc