Investigating the lung microbiome's impact on endobronchial valve treatment for emphysema

The Lung Microbiome in Patients With Emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Treated With Endobronchial Valves: Complications and Prognosis

Aarhus University Hospital · NCT04932811

This study is trying to see how the bacteria in the lungs affect the success and complications of a treatment for emphysema in patients with COPD who are getting endobronchial valves.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAarhus University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Aarhus)
Trial IDNCT04932811 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore how the lung microbiome affects outcomes and complications in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema undergoing endobronchial valve (EBV) treatment. Patients will have bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed before the insertion of EBVs, with the collected fluid analyzed for bacterial profiling. The study will track the incidence of infections and the need for valve removal or clean-up over a 24-month follow-up period, while also examining changes in the lung microbiome during these procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include COPD patients with emphysema who have been selected for EBV treatment by a multidisciplinary team.

Not a fit: Patients who have taken oral antibiotics within one month prior to the procedure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of the lung microbiome's role in improving treatment outcomes for patients with emphysema undergoing EBV therapy.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of the lung microbiome in respiratory conditions is an emerging field, this specific approach to studying its impact on EBV treatment outcomes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* COPD patients with emphysema selected for EBV treatment by multidiciplinary team, independent of this study.
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Intake of oral antibiotics within 1 month before the procedure. Patients receiving preventive long-term treatment with antibiotics can be included.

Where this trial is running

Aarhus

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Emphysema

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.