Endobronchial detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa after endoscopic lung volume reduction by means of valve implantation is associated with increased rates of COPD exacerbations

Background: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a limitation of the endobronchial valve implantation therapy in patients with severe emphysema. Since the predisposing factors are not known, we sought to examine potential infectious and inflammatory phenomena connected with the frequent COPD exacerbations leading to the need of a valve explantation. Methods: Endobronchial Zephyr valves were explanted in patients in whom the endoscopic treatment was not effective because of the valve-related COPD exacerbations (n = 7) or for other reasons (n = 7). The removed valves were subjected to…