A Pilot Study to Assess Treatment of Patients With Homogeneous Emphysema Using Sequential Segmental Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapor Ablation (NEXT STEP)

The study will include patients with severe emphysema as defined by pulmonary function tests, a homogeneous distribution of emphysema as determined by CT, who are not eligible for endobronchial valve therapy based on fissure integrity as determined by CT. Enrollment will continue until 10 patients have been treated per protocol or until a maximum of 15 patients total have been treated. Patients will be enrolled at Thoraxklinik University of Heidelberg, Germany and followed for twelve (12) months. The follow up data collected will include pulmonary function testing (spirometry, body plethysmography, DLCO), exercise capacity (six minute walk test) and imaging findings (chest x-ray and CT). Dyspnea score (mMRC) and quality of life questionnaire (SGRQ-C) information will be obtained. Information regarding adverse events, serious adverse events, and major medical complications will be collected at each visit. Serious adverse events will be adjudicated by an independent medical monitor in order to establish relatedness to the InterVapor device and procedure. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize all safety and efficacy data. There is no predefined hypothesis regarding safety, or efficacy. Monitoring of the study will be undertaken as a continuous process to ensure that high-quality data are obtained and to ensure compliance with study procedures.