What is the key difference between Rheoplasty and BBD?

Rheoplasty targets goblet cells with PEF electrical energy and is applied primarily to the main bronchi. BBD works through mechanical balloon inflation and covers all 19 segments. The two treatments have completely different mechanisms.

Can Rheoplasty and valve therapy be performed in the same patient?

Yes, a combined approach may be considered in some patients. This decision is made by a multidisciplinary team.

If I have a pacemaker, can I have Rheoplasty?

No. A pacemaker or ICD is an absolute contraindication for Rheoplasty. In this case, BBD (Bronchial Balloon Deobstruction) may be considered instead.

Treatments›COPD›Bronchial Rheoplasty

Bronchial Rheoplasty (PEF)

Goblet cell reduction and chronic bronchitis treatment via Pulsed Electric Field energy

Procedure Time

30-45 min

Hospital Stay

1-2 nights

Recovery

1-2 weeks

Success Rate

50-65%

In Short

Bronchial Rheoplasty delivers Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) energy through a specialized catheter placed into the main bronchi and large airways. This energy reduces the number of goblet cells that overproduce mucus in chronic bronchitis. The result: a significant decrease in cough, sputum production, and exacerbation frequency.

Who Is a Candidate?

Suitable Candidates

✓ Chronic bronchitis-dominant COPD
✓ Excessive mucus production and chronic cough
✓ FEV1 30-65%
✓ Former smoker (at least 4 months)

Not Eligible

✗ Active lung infection
✗ Pacemaker or ICD (absolute contraindication)
✗ Severe emphysema-dominant disease
✗ Uncontrolled cardiac disease

How the Procedure Works

1. Bronchoscopy

A flexible bronchoscope is advanced through the mouth into the airways.

2. Catheter Placement

A specialized PEF catheter is positioned in the main bronchi and large branches.

3. PEF Energy Delivery

Brief, high-voltage PEF pulses are delivered via an electrical generator; this energy selectively disrupts goblet cell membranes.

4. Regeneration

Healthy epithelium regenerates within 4-6 weeks, with a permanent reduction in mucus-overproducing goblet cells.

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

Permanent reduction in goblet cell count
Significant decrease in chronic cough and sputum production
Reduction in exacerbation frequency
Short procedure duration
Rapid recovery

Risks & Complications

⚠️ As with any medical procedure, there are risks. The following is evidence-based information.

• Cannot be used with pacemaker/ICD
• Transient airway irritation
• COPD exacerbation (15-20%)
• Hemoptysis (rare)

Recovery Process

Day 0

Procedure (1 night admission)

Week 1

Mild increase in cough is a normal expected response

Month 1-2

Goblet cell regeneration complete; symptom assessment

Month 3-6

Full efficacy assessment

Tests Required for Evaluation

Upload the following documents in your Free Evaluation form for remote candidacy assessment:

✓ Chest CT (non-contrast, ≤1mm slice)
✓ Spirometry + DLCO
✓ 6-Minute Walk Test
✓ ECG (to rule out pacemaker/ICD)
✓ Complete blood count + biochemistry

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Compare Your Options

Feature	Electrical (PEF)	Mechanical (Balloon deobstruction)	Valve (one-way)
Target	Goblet cell reduction	Mucus clearance + airway widening	Airway blockade
Coverage	Main bronchi + large branches	All 19 segments	Target segments
Pacemaker compatible	No (contraindicated)	Yes	Yes

Patient Experience

I woke up every morning with a coughing fit. Two months after Rheoplasty, the morning coughing has almost completely stopped.

🇩🇪

Anonymous patient

Germany · 55 years old

Frequently Asked Questions

Scientific References

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