CAQ for Endobronchial Valve Placement

Valve Knowledge Assessment Test (VKAT)

content outline

Purpose of the Examination:

The purpose of the Knowledge Assessment Test (KAT) for Certification of Added Qualification (CAQ) for endobronchial valve placement is to assess fund of knowledge in endobronchial valve placement for lung volume reduction and prolonged air leak.

Content and Format:

VKAT is based on pre-determined and validated content. Test questions are designed to assess domains and topics based on the validated content. These topics and items will be reviewed periodically to reflect the changes in the concepts and practice of medicine. The format of VKAT is Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), with clinical scenarios highlighted by radiographic studies, bronchoscopic images, and other relevant media related to endobronchial valve procedural planning and execution. A total of approximately 70 questions will be on the examination, and nearly three hours will be allowed to complete the test. Below are the domains and topic areas, along with their weighted average, that will appear on a typical VKAT.

Domain:
Pre-procedure   35.7%
BLVR program organization and testing requirements      8.6%
Patient selection      14.3%
(e.g., indications and contraindications including radiological and physiological assessment, comorbidities)    
Pre-procedure interventions      8.6%
(e.g., smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, maximizing medical therapies)
Alternative procedures      4.3%
(e.g. lung transplant, surgical lung volume reduction)
Domain:
Intra-procedure   22.9%
Multidisciplinary planning      5.7%
(e.g., sedation, ventilatory strategies, medical emergency protocols)
Equipment      5.7%
(e.g., collateral ventilation measurement, catheter delivery system)
Procedure methodology      5.7%
(e.g., assessment of collateral ventilation, airway sizing, valve placement and removal)
Intra-procedure adverse events      5.7%
(e.g., pneumothorax, respiratory failure)
Domain:
Post-procedure   30.0%
Billing/coding      1.4%
Inpatient care      5.7%
(e.g., duration of care, pneumothorax monitoring)
Testing and interpretation      5.7%
Post-procedure complications      8.6%
(e.g., pneumothorax, AECOPD)
Revision/Removal      4.3%
Outpatient follow up      4.3%
(e.g., evaluation of valve failure)
Domain:
Endobronchial valves for prolonged air leaks   11.4%
Indications      2.9%
Definitions      2.9%
(e.g., prolonged air leak, post-surgical, compassionate use)
Calibration      1.4%
Procedural aspects      1.4%
Follow-up      2.9%
Updated: 10/04/2026