Targeted lung denervation is one of the most promising novel therapeutic options among many emerging bronchoscopic treatments that have the potential to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Presenting initial data from a study on the effects of targeted lung denervation at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, investigator Dr Christian Ghattas from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said it is safe and may improve clinical outcomes significantly. 

In pilot studies, the targeted lung denervation system, which involves involves the use of a radiofrequency catheter to ablate the peribronchial branches of the vagus nerve, demonstrated its feasibility and safety, while modifications to the system reduced the rate of serious adverse events, Ghattas said in the presentation.