6 September 2017
Innovative research being carried out at the Trust into the use of valve implants in the lungs of patients who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been highlighted in a recent article in the Daily Mail.
COPD is an umbrella term used to describe a number of respiratory conditions including emphysema, which is characterised by a lack of elasticity in the lungs leading to air being unable to leave the lungs as efficiently.
The valves, known as Zephyr valves, are designed in such a way as to ensure that air travels in one direction only. This allows the researchers to block off the “diseased” areas of the lung and ensures that air only goes to the healthy parts of the lung, leading to improved breathing.
Patients who have had the procedure have reported improved breathing, which makes it easier for them to carry out everyday activities, such as walking and climbing stairs.
The procedure has been tested out at the Trust as part of an international trial led by Dr Samuel Kemp, who said: “Emphysema causes persistent disabling breathlessness, leads to a poor quality of life, and people become afraid to perform even basic tasks. This procedure gives them back their confidence and their quality of life without surgery, and appears to be a treatment option for a broader population of patients than traditional lung volume reduction surgery”.
Dr Jenny Rivers, associate director of research for the Trust, is keen for patients to have access to the latest research and said: “This is a clear example of how our research impacts directly on improving the lives of our patients. Our vision is to create more opportunities for patients to receive innovative treatments and working with clinical experts, their teams and their patients will be the key to achieving this ambition.”
More on this story can be read in the original Daily Mail article
To find out more about this research, or any other research being carried out at the Trust, email us.