Dr. Stephen R. Hazelrigg   

January 4, 2007                                   

SIU Med School Researchers Studying New Treatment for
Emphysema

Researchers in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield are participating in an international, multi-center trial called EASE™ , which stands for Exhale® airway stents for emphysema.  The clinical trial will study an investigational treatment that may offer a new, minimally-invasive option for those suffering with advanced emphysema.

“We are excited to be part of this study which uses a new procedure because there are limited treatment options for emphysema patients, patients who are often in poor physical condition, struggling with each breath,” says Dr. Stephen R. Hazelrigg, professor and division chair of cardio-thoracic surgery and principal investigator of the study.  “By creating new pathways for airflow, we hope to improve lung function.  If patients can breathe easier, it is likely their quality of life will improve.”

The study uses a procedure called “airway bypass” which creates pathways in the lungs for trapped air to escape and in turn, relieves emphysema symptoms.  Physicians will insert a flexible bronchoscope through the nose or mouth into the airways.  Using a Doppler probe, they will identify a site in the airway away from blood vessels.  A special needle is used to make a small opening where the stent is placed.  The procedure will be one to two hours in length and can involve placing up to six stents. 

Emphysema affects an estimated 60 million people worldwide with more than three million sufferers in the United States.  There is no cure for this chronic, progressive and irreversible lung disease.  The loss of the lungs' natural elasticity and the collapse of lung airways combine to make exhaling ineffective, leaving the emphysema sufferer unable to get air out of their lungs.  Breathing becomes inefficient and the patient is always short of breath.  Even simple physical activities become difficult and many emphysema patients become dependent on oxygen therapy.

SIU is currently recruiting patients for the EASE trial.  Participation in the study will last from 15 months up to 5 years and include 8 to 10 appointments, depending on the patient’s randomized placement in the control or treatment group.  All study-related medical procedures will be provided at no charge to the patient and participants also will receive 6 to 10 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation therapy.  The trial is sponsored by Broncus Technologies, Inc., manufacturer of the stents.

Participants should be 35 or older and diagnosed with advanced widespread emphysema and no longer smoking, or willing to stop smoking two months prior to the study.  For more information about qualifying for the study, contact Theresa Boley, SIU Cardiothoracic Surgery, 217-545-5000 weekdays.

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