Emphysema Patients Sought for Study

Posted: July 6, 2009

Participants with Severe Emphysema Sought For Research Study of Investigational Device

 

Medical College of Wisconsin physicians at Froedtert Hospital are participating in a national clinical trial to evaluate the IBV Valve System, an investigative minimally invasive device for the treatment of severe emphysema. Safety and effectiveness data from this research study of the IBV Valve will be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval to market the device in the United States.

 

The study is open to men and women age 40 to 74 who have been diagnosed with predominantly upper lobe emphysema and severe dyspnea (shortness of breath). Eligible patients must be able to participate in pulmonary function and standardized exercise test, not have smoked for four months, be willing to not smoke during the trial, and to commit to at least four visits to a medical center for health assessment tests. Additional criteria must be met for participation in the study.

 

For more information call (877) 547-8839, visit www.emphysematrial.com

 

More than three million Americans are living with emphysema, a condition that is chronic and severely impacts quality of life. People with severe emphysema struggle with each breath and therefore cannot do very simple things, like simultaneously walking and talking, that most people take for granted. Many do not respond well to current medical treatments or are not eligible for major surgery such as lung volume reduction or lung transplantation.

 

The IBV Valve System was developed and is manufactured by Spiration Inc., of Redmond, Wash.