Volunteers Needed for Emphysema Study
SOURCE:
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
2008-07-30 09:05:00
Volunteers Needed for Emphysema Study
IOWA CITY, IA–(EMWNews – July 30, 2008) – Volunteers are being recruited for the
research study of a new investigational procedure that could help relieve
shortness of breath and other symptoms for people with severe emphysema.
Called airway bypass, this minimally invasive procedure creates new
openings in the airway wall connecting the damaged lung tissue to the
natural airway. These pathways are supported and kept open by Exhale®
Drug-Eluting Stents. The goal is to give air that is trapped in the lungs
a way to escape, enabling the person to breathe easier.
The bronchoscopic procedure is being tested by lung experts at University
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and other sites internationally, as part of
the Exhale Airway Stents for Emphysema (EASE) Trial.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is currently recruiting patients
for the EASE Trial. Involvement in the study will last from approximately
15 months up to 5 years (depending on if the patient is randomized to the
control or the treatment group) and include 8 to 16 physician appointments.
All study-related medical procedures will be carried out at no charge to
the patient. Patients will be closely monitored throughout the trial.
Participants will also receive at least 14 weeks of pulmonary
rehabilitation therapy.
If you or someone you know over the age of 35 has been diagnosed with
advanced widespread emphysema and no longer smoke (or would be willing to
stop smoking two months prior to the study), you may qualify to participate
in this study. For more information please call 866-431-3273 or visit