I was accepted into the Emphasys' Bronchial Valve Clinical Trial in June, 2005.
They place 3 valves in the upper lobe of my right lung via my nasal passage. It took less than an hour for the actual proceedure. I realized improvement of the trapped air in the right lung almost immediately. My FEV1, 6 minute walk and overall exercise endurance has improved.
The links below will give anyone interested much information.
Jan
_________________________________________________________________
The minimally invasive procedure is designed to mimic the results obtained through lung volume reduction surgery. The one-way valves are inserted into the lungs, via the throat, using a flexible instrument called a bronchoscope. The valves conform to fit the airway, allowing normal clearance of air and mucous, but preventing air from flowing into poorly functioning areas of the lung. In theory, this causes diseased areas of the lung to collapse and allows healthier areas to expand, thus increasing oxygen exchange.
http://www.cadth.ca/index.php/en/hta/reports-publications/health-technology-update/health-tech-update-issue6
Emphasys' Bronchial Valve Shows Early Signs of Emphysema Relief
http://www.atv-ventures.com/news.php?id=150
Endobronchial Valve features:
minimally invasive - no surgical incision;
procedure of installation of the valve lasts about five minutes;
intended to reduce acute hyperinflation;
flexible - adapts to the variable size and shape of the airway;
ability to "stage" procedure and treat conservatively;
reversible - valves are designed to be removable post implantation;
increased ability to carry out daily activities;
improved exercise tolerance;
increased ventilation to healthier portions of the lung.
VIDEOS:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006-04-03/
http://www.uihealthcare.com/reports/cardiovascular/040524ebv-tvmov.html
FDA APPROVAL EXPECTED EARY PART OF 2008
http://www.atv-ventures.com/news.php?id=401
They place 3 valves in the upper lobe of my right lung via my nasal passage. It took less than an hour for the actual proceedure. I realized improvement of the trapped air in the right lung almost immediately. My FEV1, 6 minute walk and overall exercise endurance has improved.
The links below will give anyone interested much information.
Jan
_________________________________________________________________
The minimally invasive procedure is designed to mimic the results obtained through lung volume reduction surgery. The one-way valves are inserted into the lungs, via the throat, using a flexible instrument called a bronchoscope. The valves conform to fit the airway, allowing normal clearance of air and mucous, but preventing air from flowing into poorly functioning areas of the lung. In theory, this causes diseased areas of the lung to collapse and allows healthier areas to expand, thus increasing oxygen exchange.
http://www.cadth.ca/index.php/en/hta/reports-publications/health-technology-update/health-tech-update-issue6
Emphasys' Bronchial Valve Shows Early Signs of Emphysema Relief
http://www.atv-ventures.com/news.php?id=150
Endobronchial Valve features:
minimally invasive - no surgical incision;
procedure of installation of the valve lasts about five minutes;
intended to reduce acute hyperinflation;
flexible - adapts to the variable size and shape of the airway;
ability to "stage" procedure and treat conservatively;
reversible - valves are designed to be removable post implantation;
increased ability to carry out daily activities;
improved exercise tolerance;
increased ventilation to healthier portions of the lung.
VIDEOS:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006-04-03/
http://www.uihealthcare.com/reports/cardiovascular/040524ebv-tvmov.html
FDA APPROVAL EXPECTED EARY PART OF 2008
http://www.atv-ventures.com/news.php?id=401
This video explains how Endobronchial valves/vents are placed and what they do to accomplish lung volume reduction.