LAUSR

for the patients in the EBV group compared with –148 (SD, 862) in the control group (10). Although the relatively small sample size and short follow-up of 6 months are limitations of this study, the availability of a control group strengthens our findings. Future prospective randomized controlled trial data, with a larger population and longer follow-up period, are needed to confirm our results. At present, a large multicenter pivotal investigational device exemption study (LIBERATE [Lung Function Improvement after Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction with Pulmonx Endobronchial Valves Used in Treatment of Emphysema]; Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01796392) with a 5-year follow-up is being conducted and will add more significance to these findings. In conclusion, endobronchial valve treatment improves predictors of survival of carefully selected patients with severe emphysema. However, longer term follow-up and larger studies are needed to confirm this. n