A tool for assessing lung function.

The Chartis System is a unique assessment tool that provides precise flow and pressure readings within each lung compartment. This information enables the physician to make assessments regarding regional lung function. One of these assessments is the level of collateral ventilation, or inter-lobar airflow in the lungs. Recent research suggests that collateral ventilation can limit the effectiveness of lung-volume reduction therapy.^1,2

Footnotes:

1. Aljuri N, Freitag L. Validation and pilot clinical study of a new bronchoscopic method to measure collateral ventilation prior to endobronchial lung volume reduction. J Appl Physiol. 2009;106:774-783.

2. Fessler HE. Collateral damage assessment for endobronchial lung volume reduction. J Appl Physiol. 2009;106:755-756.