Endobronchial treatment of severe asthma and severe emphysema with hyperinflation

Purpose of review: The field of interventional pulmonology has ushered in a wave of innovations for individuals with obstructive airways disease in whom established medical therapies have failed. Leading the charge are bronchial thermoplasty for severe refractory asthma and uni-directional valves for severe emphysema with hyperinflation: both have received regulatory approvals in the United Kingdom and United States. With the commissioning of these novel treatments comes new challenges relating to implementation, positioning within therapeutic algorithms, honing of patient selection, and establishing long-term safety and benefits beyond 5 years.

Recent findings: This review summarises the evidence for their safety and efficacy, predictors of therapeutic response, mechanism(s) of action and emerging data supporting the durability of outcomes out to at least ten years.

Summary: It is anticipated the experience of treating increasing numbers of patients, the adoption of international registries, and ongoing research evaluations will serve to optimise these therapies for future generations of patients.