Emphysema is a progressive, debilitating disease that affects nearly 3 million people in the United States or roughly one percent of the US population. The disease is characterized by destruction of lung tissue as a result of inflammation caused by exposure to noxious inhaled agents for extended periods. The most common cause of this condition is cigarette smoking, although genetic and occupational causes account for up to 10% of cases. Despite aggressive public health initiatives aimed at discouraging the use of cigarettes, smoking-related lung diseases remain a significant cause of disability and death in the United States. Currently there are 46 million smokers in the US. Due to the number of current and new smokers, emphysema is expected to remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States for years to come.
Aeris has developed a novel bronchoscopic system for achieving the benefits of lung volume reduction without surgery. The Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) Hydrogel System, a new investigational therapy for emphysema, is intended to reduce lung volume over a period of weeks by collapsing and promoting the remodeling of diseased areas of the lung. The resulting reduction in lung volume is intended to restore a more normal physiological relationship between lung and chest wall, improve breathing and exercise capacity and alleviate symptoms of chronic dyspnea. The current study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of this procedure in patients with advanced emphysema.
