International Symposium on Lung Volume Reduction — LVR 2026
International Symposium on Lung Volume Reduction
We are pleased to present the 4th edition of the International Symposium on Lung Volume Reduction, taking place on November 12 & 13, 2026 in Leuven, Belgium.
This international initiative brings together leading experts in LVR to discuss state-of-the-art clinical practice, emerging evidence, and future directions in patient care. The meeting serves as a high-level scientific platform fostering multidisciplinary exchange between pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, transplant specialists, radiologists, rehabilitation experts, and allied healthcare professionals.
Chairs
- Prof Laurens Ceulemans — Surgeon, University Hospitals Leuven
- Prof Wim Janssens — Pneumologist, University Hospitals Leuven
Schedule
LVR Symposium 2026 — Lung Volume Reduction
Programme — Two days, two formats
November 12 · Expert Workshop
An exclusive, invitation-only expert workshop gathering renowned national and international experts for in-depth discussions on strategic and clinical challenges in lung volume reduction, with the aim of producing a white paper.
November 13 · International Symposium
A comprehensive, full-day multidisciplinary scientific programme covering current practice, controversies, complications, and future directions.
Detailed Programme
Morning
Registration — 8:30
Welcome — 9:00–9:05
L. Ceulemans, University Hospitals Leuven, BE
Session 1 · The indication — 9:05–10:30
Chairs: L. Ceulemans & W. Janssens
Keynote 1 — Treatable traits in COPD: what about emphysema?
F. Sciurba, University of Pittsburgh, USA
Hyperinflation: clinical and functional consequences
E. Marchand, CHU UCL Namur, BE
Imaging in the work-up of lung volume reduction
T. Frauenfelder, University Hospital Zurich, CH
The eligible patient: who and when
N. Hopkinson, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, UK
Multidisciplinary discussion: why and how
K. Klooster, University Medical Center Groningen, NL
Coffee break & Exhibition — 10:30–11:00
Session 2 · The procedure — 11:00–12:30
Chairs: C. Dooms & S. Everaerts
Keynote 2 — Bronchoscopic LVR: state of the art and a glimpse of the future
DJ Slebos, University Medical Center Groningen, NL
Keynote 3 — Lung volume reduction surgery: evolution or revolution
W. Weder, Thoraxchirurgie Bethanien Zurich, CH
Keynote 4 — Critical review on outcomes of LVRS and EBV
A. Valipour, Klinik Floridsdorf, Vienna Healthcare Group, AT
Endoscopic nightmares
R. Huebner, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, DE
Surgical nightmares
K. Redmond, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin, IE
Lunch & Exhibition — 12:30–14:00
Afternoon
Session 3 · Case based learning — 14:00–15:00
Leuven team
- MEET the cases (Leuven Team)
- Case presenter + radiologist (CT + perfusion)
- The physician (2 opinions)
- The surgeon (2 opinions)
- Voting of public
Session 4 · The outcomes — 15:00–16:00
Chairs: C. Dooms & W. Janssens
Rapid fires
Rehabilitation pre & post
S. Buttery, Royal Brompton Hospital & Imperial College London, UK
Early mobilisation & advanced care
JM Baste, CHU Rouen, FR
EBV: adverse events and non-response
C. Steinack, University Hospital Zurich, CH
LVRS: adverse events and non-response
T. Batchelor, St Bartholomew's Hospital London, UK
Panel discussion
Coffee break & Exhibition — 16:00–16:30
Session 5 · The future — 16:30–17:30
Chairs: L. Ceulemans & S. Everaerts
Rapid fires
Pathways for case finding and referral
L. Van Fleteren, University of Gothenburg, SE
Extended indications
I. Opitz, University Hospital Zurich, CH
Bridge to transplantation
M. Perch, University Hospital of Copenhagen, DK
Early interventions
R. Horsleben Petersen, Copenhagen University Hospital, DK
Panel discussion
Closing remarks — 17:30–17:35
W. Janssens, University Hospitals Leuven, BE
Venue Details
Provinciehuis, Leuven
Provinciehuis — Provincieplein 1, 3010 Leuven, Belgium
The venue is fully compliant with the applicable regulations for hosting medical events.
GPS tip: enter "Tiensevest" instead of "Provincieplein 1".
Getting there
- By bicycle: Use the cycle path alongside the Leuven ring road. Parking available next to or underneath the building.
- By public transport: Walking distance from Leuven railway and bus station. Exit the station, turn left, and walk across Roger Van Overstraetenplein.
- By car: Move into the right-hand lane as you approach the Provincial House and follow signs towards the station. Do not enter the tunnel.
Tickets & Admission
Registration Fees
Registration includes access to the full scientific programme on November 13, plus complimentary coffee breaks and lunch. All fees include 21% Belgian VAT.
Early bird — until September 15, 2026
- HCPs — €185
- Allied HCPs — €120
- Students — €60
Regular — until November 11, 2026
- HCPs — €245
- Allied HCPs — €180
- Students — €120
Onsite — from November 12, 2026
- HCPs — €275
- Allied HCPs — €210
- Students — €140
Your registration includes:
- Access to the full scientific programme on November 13, 2026
- Complimentary coffee breaks and lunch as per the schedule
- Confirmation sent upon receipt of full payment
- Group bookings available — contact the secretariat
Cancellation policy. Requests must be submitted in writing to lvr@beyond-associations.be. Cancellations received on or before November 2 will be refunded less a €60 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations after November 8, 23:59 CET.
Become a Sponsor
Interested in supporting this event? Reach out to the organiser: