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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Emory University Hospital Midtown (EUHM) is the first hospital in the state of Georgia to test a new, minimally invasive treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The AeriSeal System uses a glue-like substance specially designed to collapse and seal shut areas in the lungs that are not functioning because of damage.
COPD refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases, asthma. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants-such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust-also may contribute to COPD.
The purpose of this study is to compare, in a randomized clinical trial, the effectiveness of the AeriSeal System for reducing airflow to non-functional lung tissue in patients with emphysema. Emphysema destroys lung tissue, reducing the transfer of oxygen to the body. This non-functional lung tissue takes up space in the chest, which makes it harder for healthy lung tissue to work.
Participants in this Phase III study will be enrolled in a 3:2 fashion, meaning for every three people who will receive the new study treatment, two will receive standard of care treatment, which includes inhaled and oral anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids) to control symptoms of shortness of breath or wheezing. These therapies target the symptoms, but do not address the diseased lung tissue itself. In very ill patients, surgery called Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) is considered to remove diseased portions of the lungs.
Read More: http://news.emory.edu/stories/
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