Poking Holes = New Emphysema Treatment

Emphysema is a disease of the lung that results in large holes which trap air and make breathing difficult. So who would have thought that the treatment would be to punch new holes in the remaining functional tissue.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine are now studying an investigational treatment that may offer a significant new, minimally-invasive option for those suffering from advanced widespread emphysema. The EASE (Exhale Airway Stents for Emphysema) trial focuses on a procedure called airway bypass that involves creating pathways in the lung for trapped air to escape — and in turn, may relieve emphysema symptoms including shortness of breath.
“There are limited treatment options right now for these patients who struggle for each breath,” comments John Kucharczuk, MD, principal investigator, thoracic surgeon, and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Penn. “This new, cutting-edge, non-surgical procedure actually creates new pathways for airflow and could offer another option for those who would otherwise possibly spend years waiting on a lung transplant list.”
The procedure involves placing up to six Exhale® Drug-Eluting Stents – manufactured by Broncus Technologies, Inc. – to allow the trapped air in the lung to escape. Again, it is hoped this will deflate the lungs, by essentially creating a few new unobstructed air pathways, so that the patient can breathe more easily. The total time of the procedure is approximately one to two hours.
Daniel Sterman, MD, co-principal investigator of the study and Director of Interventional Pulmonology at Penn, states, “This experimental technique could be revolutionary as it is the only approach being examined right now which targets the population of emphysema patients whose disease has destroyed tissue throughout the lung — and not just the upper lung zones. This technique would help those who do not appear to benefit from lung volume reduction surgery.”

Press release: Researchers at Penn Study New Airway Bypass Treatment to Help Emphysema Sufferers Breathe Easier …
EASE Trial…
Exhale® Drug-Eluting Stent procedure overview…