Pulmonx is designing and manufacturing products for the treatment of late-stage emphysema. The products are designed to cause atelectasis of the target lobe, resulting in reduced lung hyperinflation, the major physiologic abnormality in emphysema.

About Emphysema

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). The major cause of COPD is tobacco smoke exposure. Tobacco smoking causes destruction of lung tissue, resulting in reduced alveolar surface area and reduced lung compliance. The reduced surface impairs the ability of the lung to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide. Tissue destruction reduces lung compliance, which results in wheezing due to airway collapse during exhalation. To compensate for tissue damage, the lung becomes hyperinflated. Patients breathe at higher lung volumes and are said to have trapped air.

Symptoms of emphysema include shortness of breath, especially when walking, fatigue and weight loss. Patients with emphysema often show signs of increased work of breathing (fast breathing rate, bulging neck and chest muscles), a flattened diaphragm, and an expanded chest wall ("barrel-chested").

About Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) has been shown to improve exercise capacity and quality of life. However, LVRS is an invasive surgery, with prolonged recovery time and high perioperative death rates.

Endobronchial Emphysema Treatment

Endoscopic placement of implants in the lung represents a promising approach to emphysema treatment where the treated lobe can deflate, reducing the amount of trapped air. Reduced trapped air may improve exercise capacity, obstructive symptoms and quality of life.