COPD BALLOON TREATMENT · EFFECTIVENESS
How Effective Is COPD Balloon Treatment?
Author/medical reviewer: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026
SHORT ANSWER
The aim of balloon treatment is to make breathing easier by opening narrowed airways. In suitable patients, shortness of breath may decrease and the need for oxygen may fall after treatment. Walking, climbing stairs and everyday tasks may become easier. How much you will benefit depends on the type and stage of your disease. We discuss this together at the consultation.
The aim of the treatment
In COPD, the inner lining of the airways can thicken and fill with mucus. This is an important cause of shortness of breath. Balloon treatment aims to open up this narrowing. When the airway widens, breathing may become easier.
See how the treatment is done in an animation
The 2.5-minute narrated animation below shows the steps of balloon treatment in diagram form. For a detailed account, see how COPD balloon treatment is done.
What may change in everyday life?
In suitable patients, the following may be seen after treatment:
- Shortness of breath may decrease: You may find it less of a struggle to walk, climb stairs or get dressed.
- The need for oxygen may fall: The oxygen level in your blood may rise. Your doctor decides whether to reduce your oxygen based on your follow-up measurements. Related: Oxygen therapy.
- You may be able to walk for longer: As your breathing eases, everyday tasks and walking may become easier.
How much you will benefit varies from person to person. It depends on the type and stage of your COPD and on any other conditions you have. We discuss this together at the consultation.
When is the effect assessed?
The effect of the treatment is reviewed together at the follow-up visits at 1 week and 1 month. COPD is a long-term disease. For this reason, how long the relief lasts varies from person to person. Stopping smoking, having your vaccinations and using your medicines regularly help the relief to last.
No incision, no permanent device, short hospital stay
The procedure is done through the mouth. It does not require a skin incision, stitches or a chest tube. No permanent device is left in the body. Patients usually go home within 1–2 days. This may take longer depending on your general condition. For this reason, it may also be considered in older people and in people with other chronic diseases.
Alongside medicines, can be repeated if necessary
Balloon treatment does not replace bronchodilator medicines, oxygen, vaccines or breathing exercises. It is used together with them. As no device is left in the body, the procedure can be repeated if this is found to be necessary at follow-up visits.
Who may benefit most?
| Patients who may benefit | Situations in which a different treatment is considered |
|---|---|
| COPD in which cough and phlegm predominate (chronic bronchitis) | COPD in which damage to the air sacs predominates (emphysema) → valve treatment |
| Patients whose shortness of breath continues despite medicines, oxygen or a breathing machine at home | Patients whose medicines have not yet been optimised → the medicines are optimised first |
| Patients with advanced COPD | A flare-up (exacerbation) or a serious infection → this is treated first |
| Patients who are determined to stop smoking | Uncontrolled heart disease → heart assessment first |
You can find the results of scientific studies on the method on the Scientific studies page.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
Is it suitable for you?
Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.
Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.
RELATED PAGES
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently asked questions
The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.
APPOINTMENT
Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment
To find out whether it is suitable for you, book an appointment for a consultation. Also bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. Phone/WhatsApp: +90 212 916 38 23.
info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul
This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.
Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026
References
- Karakoca Y, Karaagac G, Aydemir C, Caner C. A new endoluminal resection technique and device: resector balloon. Ann Thorac Surg. 2008;85(2):628-631. PubMed
- Karakoca Y, Karaagac G, Aydemir C. Therapeutic bronchoscopic intervention with resector balloon. J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2009;16(2):78-80. PubMed
- Karakoca Y, Karaagac Gogus G, Yapicier O. Use of resector balloon desobstruction in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot feasibility study. J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2015;22(3):209-214. PubMed
- Karakoca Y, Gogus G, Akduman S, Erturk B. Follow-up outcomes of COPD patients who underwent dilatation and curettage with the Karakoca resector balloon: a 188-case series over 5 years. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(48):e13400. PubMed