COPD BALLOON TREATMENT · SAFETY

Is COPD Balloon Treatment Safe? Is There a Risk to Life?

Q: Is COPD balloon treatment life-threatening?

The procedure is performed in a hospital with intensive care support. An experienced team performs the procedure under general anaesthesia. As with any procedure under general anaesthesia, the risk is not zero. That is why a heart check and a pre-anaesthetic assessment are carried out before the procedure. During and after the procedure, your oxygen level, pulse and blood pressure are monitored. Patients usually go home within 1–2 days. Depending on your general condition, this may take longer. The risk may be higher in patients whose general condition is very poor. For these patients, the decision is made together at the consultation.

Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026

SHORT ANSWER

The procedure is carried out in a hospital with intensive care support. It is performed under general anaesthesia by an experienced team. As with any procedure under general anaesthesia, the risk is not zero. For this reason, a heart check and a pre-anaesthetic assessment are carried out before the procedure. Your oxygen level, pulse and blood pressure are monitored during and after the procedure. Patients usually go home within 1–2 days. This may take longer depending on your general condition. The risk may be higher in patients whose general condition is very poor. For these patients, the decision is made together at the consultation.

What do we do for your safety?

As with any bronchoscopy, your oxygen level may drop for a short time. This may happen during or after the procedure. Mild bleeding, a spasm of the airways (bronchospasm) or an infection may occur. These are closely monitored and treated immediately. To this end:

Before the procedure, a heart check, a pre-anaesthetic assessment, blood tests and blood clotting tests are done.
We plan together how you will take blood thinners and your other regular medicines before the procedure.
The procedure is done by an experienced team in a hospital with anaesthesia and intensive care support.
During and after the procedure, your oxygen level, pulse and blood pressure are monitored continuously.
When you are discharged, you are given written information. You are also given a phone number you can call at any time.

What is normal after the procedure?

In the first days, you may have a mild cough, throat irritation and a hoarse voice. Your phlegm may increase for a while, and there may be small streaks of blood in it. These usually go away on their own within a short time.

When should you call immediately?

Call us immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

Increasing shortness of breath
A fever above 38 °C
Bleeding that increases or does not stop
Severe chest pain
A marked drop in your oxygen level

In an emergency, call 112.

When is the procedure postponed?

If you have a lung infection or a COPD flare-up, this is treated first. The procedure is planned afterwards. The procedure is also postponed in situations such as heart disease that is not under control. It is then planned again based on a cardiologist’s opinion. We decide together at the consultation on the safest plan for you: Who is it for?

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.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

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.

Is COPD balloon treatment life-threatening?

Is the procedure painful?

No. The procedure is done while you are asleep (general anaesthesia). You do not feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, you may have mild throat irritation and a cough for a few days.

Does it harm the lungs?

The balloon clears the thickened tissue and mucus from the inner lining of the airway. After the procedure, you may have a short-lived cough or a small amount of blood in your phlegm. These usually go away on their own. We monitor you closely during and after the procedure.

Will I need to stay in intensive care?

Not every patient needs this. If your breathing capacity is greatly reduced, you may be monitored in intensive care for a short time for safety.

Is bloodstained phlegm normal after the procedure?

Small streaks of blood that gradually decrease are normal. If the bleeding increases or does not stop, call us.

Can I have a flare-up (exacerbation) after the procedure?

In COPD, flare-ups can happen from time to time. Smoking and infections increase the risk of flare-ups. We recommend that you have your flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Also take your medicines regularly. If your phlegm increases or changes colour, or your shortness of breath gets worse, call us.

Is it safe in the long term?

No device is left in the body. We monitor your condition together through regular follow-up visits.

APPOINTMENT

Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment

For a personal risk assessment and treatment plan, book an appointment for a consultation: +90 530 337 85 95.

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

+90 530 337 85 95