A novel, minimally invasive way to treat severe breathing problems caused by lung disease showed modest but promising benefits in a small French study.
The technique involves inserting several small metal alloy coils through a scope into the lungs, aiming to tighten diseased tissue and open up healthy airways. It’s among experimental alternatives to major lung-reduction surgery for patients with emphysema, a common feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
The treatment helped patients to walk further and reduced symptoms including coughing and breathlessness, the French researchers reported. The coil manufacturer, London-based BTG PLC, announced similar benefits last month in preliminary results from a U.S. study… Read More>>
Source: AP
