At Pulmonx, the focus is on science.
At Pulmonx, we are committed to science and clinical research. The first Zephyr® Endobronchial Valves used to treat emphysema patients were implanted in March 2002. Since that time, physicians around the world have treated over 1,000 patients under various scientific protocols. Results from these studies have generated over 20 peer reviewed publications in respected scientific journals. In partnership with leading institutions and researchers around the world, we continue to study endobronchial valve therapy to define the patient populations and procedural techniques that best optimize this new therapy.*
Treatment of emphysema using the Zephyr Endobronchial Valves has been shown in the Endobronchial Valve for Emphysema PalliatioN Trial, known as VENT, to improve lung function, exercise tolerance and quality of life for some patients.1 More recent research suggests that high levels of inter-lobar collateral flow in the lungs, known as collateral ventilation, can limit the effectiveness of lung-volume reduction therapy.2,3 Pulmonx’ Chartis System can characterize the degree of collateral ventilation in the lungs. This may enable physicians to better identify patients who could benefit from lung volume reduction therapies. Pulmonx recently concluded safety and feasibility studies of the Chartis System in combination with the Zephyr Endobronchial Valves in 25 patients. In 18 of 20 patients, the Chartis System measurements correlated with the presence of lung atelectasis, as measured by chest X-ray. This finding shows promise for the Chartis System as a tool to assist physicians in identifying patients who could benefit from Zephyr Endobronchial Valve therapy.4
1. Emphasys Medical PMA P070025 Panel Presentation, December 5, 2008
2. 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.
3. Fessler HE. Collateral damage assessment for endobronchial lung volume reduction. J Appl Physiol. 2009;106:755-756.
4. Eberhardt R, Herth FJ, Ernst A. A Safety and Feasibility Study of the Chartis
System in Subjects with Heterogeneous Emphysema Prior to Endobronchial Lung Volume Reduction (ELVR). Poster presentation #526 at American Thoracic Society (ATS) annual meeting, San Diego, CA, May 20, 2009.
*Investigational device in the United States. Limited by law to investigational use.
