A 6‐year experience of Zephyr endobronchial valves for severe emphysema in an Australian single‐centre cohort

Background Endobronchial valve (EBV) insertion for lung volume reduction is a management option for patients with severe emphysema. One‐way valves cause lobar deflation and improve lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life. Aims To retrospectively analyse and compare the outcomes of the first 57 patients treated with EBVs between 2015 and 2021 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital to international standards. Methods Clinical outcomes of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), residual volume (RV), treated lobe volume reduction (TLVR) and 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) at 3, 6 and 12 months after valve insertion were reviewed against established minimally clinically important differences (MCIDs). Complications and subjective breathlessness measured by Borg scores were also reviewed. Results Fifty‐seven patients were included. At 12 months, 77.2% achieved TLVR. FEV1 improved by 170 mL (95% confidence interval (CI): 100–250, P