Thanks for posting this. I think my neighbor in Germany was supposed to have something like that done.
Bad thing about these type of studies is that you'll never know if you have indeed received the device or not.With my luck I'd probably end up in the control group.

Thanks for sharing. My doctor said this study does not show longivity or progress passed a certain few months, and the coils could be dangerous . He went to a seminar about them and he does not recommend them. Also as Heike55 says, you might end up in the placebo study and go thru all that for nothing.


BJ

http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2014/05/cleveland_clinic_study_uses_metal_coil_implants_to_help_emphysema_patients_with_breathing.html

Here's a picture and more info about this procedure for the newer members who may not have seen it before.

Actually, I think there is a difference between the coils and the valves that Daniel's shared with us.
I used google image using the two different terms and they aren't the same.

Dennis?

Promise -
The coil system was an updated process for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) by collapsing the dead avoli, thus allowing the living tissue to expand more. The valve system that Daniel speaks of is a series of one-way valves located in strategic places in front of the bad avoli that allows air to escape from the hyper inflated areas, but doesn't allow air back in.
Given a choice between the two, the simplest one is the best option...

Hugs,
Dennis

Thanks Dennis :) So which one is the simplest?
Here's pictures of the valves.

http://www.floridamd.com/uncategorized/endoscopic-lung-volume-reduction-with-intrabronchial-valves-for-patients-with-emphysema/

Thanks Daniel...you kept me off of You Tube by digging for these things :)

bless those, that are braver than i, that volunteer for these studies.
it is those brave souls that someday, something will be found to help those that suffer from this disease in the future.
i guess i am selfish, because i want to spend my days with family & friends, not in a research project.

Thanks Dan for telling about the valves...ive asked my pulmo and doc about any trials that will be conducted here re-coils as im past the stage of lung volume reduction and a double lung transplant is touch n go....I will now research the valves as its another avenue of hope if nothing else.....

Cheers....Peter

Promise -
IMHO the simplest is the coils. any time you add "moving" parts to a device you add at more points of failure...

Hugs,
Dennis

good info on both coils & the valves, promises2keep!

they are still testing the coils too, arent they?
and now valves?

i too think that the valves look rather "iffy" and that more can go wrong.
if i were to do one i think the coils looked more impressive from the 2 links...my 2 cents worth :)

i am currently in a clinical trial for valves and coils at Beth Israel in Boston and have been since February 2014. I didn't qualify for the coils in April due to my PFT numbers and my CT scan results. I was encouraged to try again in a few months and they would re-test. I called for an appointment and the Dr told me that they adjusted the bottom line and that I would probably qualify for the coil procedure. I go to Boston on August 4th for another round of tests.

The majority of everything I've researched on these procedures has been positive. At this point of my COPD life, I'll try almost anything within reason to assist in the research of this disease and to improve our quality of life.

please keep us posted capt
thanks! and gods blessings

Daniel, this looks quite interesting, and I am going to take it up with my doctor during my next visit. Thanks -- Bill

Short youtube video about a women who had the valves put in. In her case it really improved her lung function and her quality of life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p65LD1_NNqI

I was in clinical trials for the endobronchial-valve-study back in 2008/09. Then the trials were sponsored by a Company in Washington State. I was in the study for over a year and went to surgery for an endoscopic procedure for purpose of installing the valves.
At the end of my study, I found out that I was in the control group. No valves. Another DS member was also in the study just ahead of me. She also was in the control group.

The purpose was to install a valve in an airway that would redirect the oxygen to an nondiseased part of the lung, thus eliminating the diseased part.

After the trials I asked permission of the valve maker to have them installed and they agreed. My surgeon quietly told me that they would be of no benefit to me so I opted out.

I tracked a couple of the patients that did receive the valves and they have since had to have them removed.

The DS member that was going through just ahead of me just had a double lung transplant in Washington State. It has been a few weeks and she is still doing well.

I found out later that the valve was more appropriate to use in a LVRS (Lung Volume Reduction Surgery). This appears what this same valve is being used for now.

I have confidence in the actual LVRS procedure where the diseased part of the upper lobes are removed but I am not so confident in devices in the lungs. I have damage throughout all lobes of the lungs so I am just reliant on the meds that we use.

I have written this ,not to discourage anyone from trying what the have faith that could help them but to caution everyone to get the background on procedures that may want to try.

Research is all that we really have and the clinical trials for meds do help. I think the ultimate treatment someday for respiratory disease is healing of our lungs by genes that target the diseased portion and use our bodies ability to heal from within.

Probably sound a brick short of reality but I am of sound mind as today. And I hope to go out with my mind intact.

Love and respect for all you guys and the struggles you meet each day of your lives.

Anna