The Indiana University School of Medicine is conducting a study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Intra-Bronchial Valve (IBV™ Valve), a device developed by Redmond, WA based Spiration Inc.
One of the main problems with emphysematous lungs is regional ventilation and blood perfusion mismatch: the air is trapped in regions of the lung that are not getting enough blood. The device is thought to restore a better balance between ventilation and blood perfusion, by blocking entrance of the air into diseased regions of the lung.
To read more about the device that is thought one day to substitute the invasive and risky lung-reduction surgery, go to the company’s website…
IBV™ Valve: Intra-Bronchial Device for Emphysema
July 11th, 2005 
Medgadget Editors Thoracic Surgery