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About emphysema
- Affects 3 million Americans
- Smoking is the primary cause
- Degenerative disease
- Irreversible breakdown of lung tissues
- Patients feel constantly out of breath
Researchers study new palliative treatment for people with end-stage emphysema
Ronald Fairbanks just longed to breathe freely once again.
For more than 11 years, Fairbanks slowly lost his ability to breathe normally as emphysema steadily damaged his lungs. He eventually needed supplemental oxygen as his condition worsened.
"My lungs were pretty well shot," says Fairbanks, 72, of Camanche, Iowa. "I couldn't walk very far without having to stop and catch my breath. My physical activity was really limited."
Researchers at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are studying a new device that they hope will improve the ability of people with severe emphysema to breathe more normally.
The study involves a device called an endobronchial valve. Physicians implant the miniature valves in the diseased portion of the lungs to restore and maximize airflow to the healthier portions of the organs. Investigators call the study the endobronchial valve for emphysema palliation trial, or VENT.
Geoffrey McLennan, M.D., lead investigator for VENT at UI Hospitals and Clinics, says patients with advanced emphysema have very few treatment options.
"Although lung reduction surgery can be helpful to patients, it is invasive and its risks can outweigh the potential benefits," he says.
VENT research teams will enroll 270 participants across the United States and Europe in the multi-center, randomized trial. So far, UI Hospitals and Clinics has enrolled 15 patients, more than any other hospital nationwide. One-third of the study participants will receive standard optimal medical management and two-thirds will receive the valves, which are about the size of the eraser on a pencil.
David Riker, M.D., says, "The valves only allow air to flow one way, which forces the oxygen to the healthy portion of the lung. The implantation procedure is minimally invasive and may pose fewer risks for the patient and should lessen recovery time. We can even remove the valves if the need arises."
Fairbanks credits the valves with a significant improvement in his quality of life. "I'm really excited. My wife and others have noticed that I can walk a lot farther. I hope I can even get out to hunt and fish again," he says.
Kimberly Sprenger, R.N., a research assistant and coordinator of the VENT trial, says the anecdotal feedback from participants in the trial has been positive and encouraging so far.
For enrollment questions or other information about the study, patients should call UI Health Access at 1-800-777-8442 and ask for Kim Sprenger, VENT research trial. Sprenger can also be reached directly at 319-353-8862 or by e-mailing her at kimberly-sprenger@uiowa.edu. For consultation or scheduling, physicians should call UI Consult.
Callers should mention having seen this story in PACEMAKER.
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