The objective of this study is primarily to investigate the effect of the lung microbiome on outcomes and morbidity after EBV treatment. Second, to investigate the evolution of the lung microbiome in patients later requiring valve removal or clean-up.
Before the insertion of the EBV, during the procedure, the patient will undergo a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). BAL fluid will be used for bacterial profiling through 16S ribosomal analysis and conventional bacterial culture. The number of infections and the need for clean-up or valve removal will be registered during the following 24 months, during which the patient follows the ordinary follow-up programme. As a secondary part of the study, during potential clean-up or valve removal, the removed material will again undergo 16S ribosomal analysis and culture to investigate shifts in the microbiome.
